U.S. Marshals serving the Western District of Virginia are getting some new head protection thanks to a contract the agency has awarded to Texas-based body armor manufacturer Armor Express for its Busch AMP-1 TP ballistic helmet.
Given that the U.S. Marshals Service is the primary federal agency that conducts fugitive investigations around the country, any added protection its officers can get is a good thing.
“We are honored to support this crucial branch of Federal Law Enforcement and stand ready to service their requirements,” David Jones, the federal sales director for Armor Express, said in a statement. “We worked to ensure they have the most reliable, high-performance head gear. The Armor Express team understands the enormous danger that USMS officers face when dealing with the most violent fugitives and offenders, and having state-of-the-art protective equipment is of critical importance. We look forward to growing our partnership through the development and delivery of life-saving armor solutions that enable our men and women in uniform to do their job and return home safely.”
Introduced earlier this year, the VPAM-certified AMP-1 TP is constructed of a multi-layered aramid composite. It weighs in at 3.6 pounds and can stop ballistic threats as close as .78 inches from its edge, as well as multiple shots on a small surface area. Another key feature to note here is the helmet’s ability to transfer and dissipate energy around its shell, which helps to reduce blunt force trauma. This is done via a patented EBSP method—a production technique that creates ballistic capabilities there were previously only attainable through titanium helmets. The EBSP process reduces energy transfer to the skull to under 25 joules. The helmet offers fragmentation protection of over 2,034 f/s, according to STANAG 2920.
The AMP-1 TP also includes a rail system for adding accessories; advanced padding system; wheel dial for sizing flexibility; and a protective bag. In terms of helmet accessories, we’re talking modular protective visors with protection levels ranging from Blunt Impact to Fragmentation and 9mm/44Mag; NVG 3-hole shroud; helmet cover; helmet Velcro kit; helmet counter weight kit; visor protective cover and side-rail adaptor.
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In other words, the next time a U.S. Marshals Service officer with the Western District of Virginia are looking for and arresting violent fugitives and sex offenders, they’ll be well protected.
