Tested beyond the standard

Our testing was conducted on an NIJ IIIA ballistic door panel insert manufactured by Angel Armor. The panel was field tested on a 2015 Dodge Charger patrol squad car. Weighing just under ten pounds, the panel slipped into the driver's door with relative ease. No additional mounting hardware or brackets were required. None of the inner door panels, handles or inside trim needed to be removed and the panel slipped between the glass side window and the outer door metal. The panel was secured under the trim piece that ran along the top edge of the driver's door. Our fleet technician took approximately 20 minutes to install the panel, but with more familiarity and reputation, I would expect this time to be reduced. The panel rode nicely and did not vibrate or generate any noticeable noise. It did not interfere with normal window and door locking operations. A small handle allowed the panel to be easily removed and theoretically transferred to another vehicle. After removal from the vehicle installation, the panel was tested at the range. Using a wooden frame for support and portability, the panel withstood various .38, .357, .40, and .44 caliber handgun rounds at 20 feet, as well as 12 gauge 00 buck and slug rounds. The panel failed to stop .223 and .308 rounds (which was anticipated.) Considering the rating was IIIA, the panel performed as expected. The panel was not range tested while installed in a vehicle door. Our testing showed that the panel performed as advertised and would be a worthwhile consideration when outfitting future squad cars.