With support from the National Institute of Justice, NORC is compiling independent, evidence-based knowledge on the decision-making factors influencing the wearing of body armor for correctional officers (COs). In addition to personal characteristics, multiple external factors can influence the day-to-day reality of whether a CO is wearing body armor, including:

• Body armor characteristics (fit, maintenance, and care; comfort and mobility)
• Knowledge and attitudes
• Contextual characteristics
• Facility (characteristics of inmate population; level of security; crowding; policies)

The goal of the project is to better understand COs’ decision-making process regarding use of body armor and to use that information to develop approaches to increase the use of body armor in the appropriate circumstances. In Phase I of the study, NORC will conduct a nationally representative survey of COs to understand the context of using armor in correctional settings and establish a prioritized list of factors affecting the use of body armor. During Phase II of the study, NORC will use the results from the survey to work with a panel of correctional experts in focus groups to develop recommendations on steps that can be taken to improve the likelihood that armor will be worn in appropriate circumstances.