St.Louis Post Dispatch writes-
Many officers have turned to a St. Charles-based outfitter, said its operations manager Chris Bilodeau. His company, whose name begins with “Tactical” but is otherwise unfit to print, and has been offering rifle-resistant vests to police at cost, a discount of about 15 to 35 percent. The plates cost from $40 to $70, and the carriers $150 to $250.
Armor used for a SWAT officer can cost more than $1,000, he said.
Within two days of beginning the promotion , Bilodeau said, the company received inquiries from more than 4,000 officers across the country. He said some business owners bought vests for police, and that some generous individuals have bought vests to be given free to the next officer in the door.
“Unfortunately these guys are facing things that are a little more dangerous than they used to be,” he said.
Stopping power
The penetrating power of a bullet depends upon multiple variables, including the type and caliber of weapon and characteristics of the ammunition. Rifles are accurate at greater distances than handguns and generally pack a stronger punch.