sorrowmonkey

A company is now selling backpacks with level 2 ballistic protection for kids: http://www.mychildspack.com/ .

I'm of two minds about this. First, I think it's a great idea, in that it adds some level of protection in an environment which is basically out-of-control (i.e. schools, buses, etc). It's not ideal protection, but it's better than nothing.

On the other hand, it's really not that much safety. All sorts of assumptions are necessary to believe that this will be an effective defense. Level 2 protection is not going to stop a lot of rounds commonly available in the marketplace, and it's only going to help if the backpack is between the shooter and the victim.

Still, in any case, it's an interesting sign that the marketplace is reflecting the common perception that the schools aren't safe, and that children are likely victims. I don't think that this backpack is a good solution to the school violence problem, but it is a step that parents can legally take.

Amusingly, I thought about constructing a level 3 laptop bag for the same purpose, when I couldn't find a regular bag that was working for me. I figured if I was already custom-making a bag, it wouldn't be that much effort to toss in plates. In the end, I decided it wasn't worth it (to make my own bag).

Since it's illegal to purchase body armor in Connecticut on-line or through the mail (face-to-face only), can Connecticut residents legally purchase this backpack? How many have already committed a felony?