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The shortage in the availability of U.S. surplus and the increasing concern about public safety have joined to make the law enforcement and security trade an important segment of the army and navy store industry.

Steve Adkisson of Major Surplus sums up the market: “The law enforcement industry is on a growth pattern because of the unsettled feeling in the country, the economy, and the unemployment. These create a fear factor requiring more police officers and better protection. Law enforcement is a steady business now, whereas army/navy surplus has declined.”

Six years ago, Major introduced its Voodoo line of police and military wear. Government orders for the military have accounted for a large portion of sales, but Adkisson also supplies army and navy and police supply retailers.

Manufactured from heavy duty pack cloth, which Adkisson describes as a rugged nylon type material, the Voodoo line products include tactical vests, backpacks, holsters, baton holders, rifle cases, as well as an assortment of magazine and accessories pouches.

DOES A BODY GOOD

One of the most popular Voodoo items is the tactical vest with MOLLE attachments. Designed for the military, the vests have entered the police tactical market. Adkisson enjoys excellent sales of models that accommodate body armor, which he supplies to both the military and police departments.

Body armor is the specialty of Pacorp. Since 1990, Pacorp has been supplying new body armor under its own label, as well as used items, most of which were manufactured in America. Pacorp will not sell any used item that has been hit by a bullet, said company president Peter Applebaum.

Body armor has become lighter in weight, more sophisticated in design more varied in choice of materials since he entered the business 20 years ago, Applebaum said.

“Police have been up-armoring to a higher thread level because of a higher threat level on the streets,” he said. The protective ingredient in body armor is aramed, a fiber manufactured under such trademarks as Kevlar or Twaron.

“Aremid is a nylon derivative that is tightly woven to defeat both penetration of a bullet and the dissipation of the impact through a wider area,” Applebaum explained.

He noted that police will use different types of body armor in different situations. The most popular levels for extended wear are level 2 and level 3A.

“They are more comfortable,” Applebaum said. “The classic tradeoff in body armor is comfort versus level or protection. Level 2 is generally lighter than level 3A but there is some sacrifice in ballistic protection.”