I’ve noticed at two stores that the clothing of their hired security has more of a military feel. Specifically, the vests are bulky and look like they might be intended to protect against shrapnel. The ICE crew has a similar look, which may not be coincidental.
The vests are perhaps similar to these, though less dorky looking because Walmart (?) security is wearing a full uniform.
My question is whether these sorts of vests when worn by retail security are functional in any sort of way (stopping bullets, concealing batarangs, whatever) or whether they are making a satorial statement.
Those are called plate carriers and they have pockets for you to put in your armor of choice. Can be ceramic, composite, Kevlar, steel, I don’t know what all. Some of those in the photo you posted, particularly the guy in the plaid shirt, seem to be woefully undersized, perhaps more for looks than effect.
With any of these, you make your choice as to what kind of plates you load up. For these kind of ding dongs, I suppose it’s entirely possible they’ve just got cardboard in there.
How would any of us know without seeing the actual vest the security guards are wearing?
I will tell you, back in the very early 80’s I worked security at a mall in Milwaukee and we wore real vests. But they were the under uniform vests. I don’t even know if outer carriers were available back then. I don’t think so but I don’t know.
I recall some items about some state(s?) making the possession and use of body armour, and armoured vehicles, illegal - even homemade. I assume security companies get a dispensation.
Plate carriers and plates are not astronomically expensive for what they are(~$1000-2000 for a plate and carrier), but they’re more than likely well out of the realm of mall cop salaries or what mall cop security agencies are willing to pay.
Plus, and more importantly, they’re probably not really the right armor for what a mall cop might face. I mean, if I was a mall cop, I’d want stab resistant armor and something that would handle handgun rounds that’s not too bulky or heavy. There would be no need or use for Class IV plates that can take multiple hits from full-bore rifle/machine gun caliber rounds and AP rounds from the same calibers.
There are load bearing vests that have the same look as an outer carrier for armor but it’s not armor. Even outer vests without ballistic protection inserts are not body armor. My state has very strong weapon laws but doesn’t outlaw the owning of body armor. If it’s used during the commission of a crime it’s a separate charge.
Glancing at this, the laws (such as they are) mostly criminalize using body armor in the commission of a crime, and/or possessing body armor after you’ve been convicted of a felony. Although some states are more restrictive.
The security company won’t run afoul of the first and probably won’t hire felons so the second isn’t a factor either.
Load bearing vest definition from a load bearing vest marketer: “Select a load-bearing vest from our collection, designed to securely hold and organize essential field gear. Its robust construction ensures quick access and reliable support in any setting.”
2019 thread inquiring about plate carriers with missing plates. I think the term is tacticool.
The article I recall was vaguely at the time when gang hype was full blast - “no gang colours!” and all that crap. It was mainly aimed at outlawing armoured / bullet resistant vehicle modifications and mentioned body armour as an afterthought.
