Why do people, such as S.W.A.T or Seals wear the bulletproof vests where you can see them?

Question

Wouldn’t people aim for their head or crotch?

Answer 1

It's a lot harder than you think to pull off a good head shot. Most average felons use hand guns which are highly inaccurate over 20 feet or so making it very unlikely that the S.W.A.T. team member would get hit in the head. By the way, S.W.A.T. members usually wear helmets.

Answer 2

generally, the purpose of wearing the vests is to protect them and prevent others from targeting them. The vest then acts as a deterent. If they hide the vest, then others may think there's nothing to prevent the shooting. Most shooters aim for the body because it's a bigger target. It's much harder to aim for the head or crotch area.

Answer 3

Most criminal gunmen do not have the ability to aim that precisely. They shoot in the general direction of the person they are trying to hit. The vests provide some protection for the officers wearing them. And, its hard to hid a bullet proof vest under your clothes.

Answer 4

During a quick, tatical assualt, people do not usually have time to aim. The bulletproof vest protects the officers vital organs which are key to survival.

Answer 5

because it protects their vital organs.

if they get hit in the arm or leg they are more likely to recover. Plus if the body arm was any bigger they would have much more trouble moving quickly in order to apprehend criminals.

The head is often protected by a special high impact helmet and the body armour covers the crotch area. (there is a pieces that hangs down to cover there man hood etc..

Answer 6

Most of the answers above are good (helmets and other armour protects the head and groin etc), but also, it is a deterrant. If the crooks/enemies see armoured troops attacking, they realise that this will be a tough fight as the chinks in the armour are small. this may be enough to put them off attacking and to surrender.

(I know this does not normally happen, but it is a possibility.

Answer 7

there is usually no time for careful aim in combat and the vest covers vital organs ... there are different "threat" levels of vests and the swat guys use the heavy stuff that doesnt go under clothing too well ...

Answer 8

Maybe, but how good is your aim?? It is a psychological tactic showing you that they have armor & you generally don't.
They are well trained, & you are generally not...
How confident do you feel now? Have you ever shot a gun??
It generally isn't as easy as it looks. Certain loads can put you on your behind, & your shot get a bird flying overhead, if the bird is very unlucky!
So, ya feel lucky? Well, do ya punk??

Answer 9

because they wear helmets on their heads and bulletproof vests to save vital organs and if they don't wear helmet and still wear bulletproof vest it's because it's harder to hit into head ..than into chest...

Answer 10

You try and take a shot at 1000 yards at a blokes head ... then you will see why..?? ... its not that easy...