AMSTERDAM - eTradeWire -- EnGarde is a Dutch body armor manufacturer who specializes in creating ballistic vests as well as hard and soft armor panels. The company's mission is to protect those who put their lives on the line to protect others.

Since 2017, Pebetex, in close collaboration with EnGarde, has supplied the BOAs in the city of Eindhoven with body armor. We at BodyArmorNews.com, interviewed Mr. Dennis Aben, the BOA coordinator, Mr. Obei Fatah, a BOA officer, and Mr. Ruud Kwinten, Account Manager of Pebetex to learn more about the BOAs and the vests.

Who are the BOAs?
In addition to police officers, the Netherlands has about 23,500 peace officers working in the law enforcement sector. These officers have a Special Enforcement Officer (SEO) status (Buitengewoon Opsporingsambtenaar) or BOA/Handhaving in Dutch. This roughly translates to 'municipality police' in English.

A day in the life of a BOA
The officers are often assigned to patrol the city. Many of them are trained to bike in the crowded city center, as it is easier to cover ground this way. These BOAs need to have quick reflexes to avoid pedestrians and they can even cover up to 40-50 kms this way.

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"Many times, we receive complaints about youth causing a ruckus, homeless people bothering tourists or drug addicts in the city center," Mr. Fatah explained, "In these cases, it is important for us to be good with words so that we can de-escalate the situation in a calm way, without using force."

EnGarde's BOA body armor
In close cooperation with EnGarde, Pebetex has developed a version of the EnGarde Puma™ model, designed specifically for the BOAs. The Puma™ is a load bearing jacket that features a front zipper opening and additional utility pockets.

"I never go out without the vest," Mr. Fatah said, "If I go, it comes with me. I always wear it, even if it's hot. It's very comfortable, since it is not too tight, and it doesn't trap the heat inside. It's best to wear it and it always gives me a sense of security.

"One time, I learnt that a suspect we had apprehended had a knife on him. At that moment, I was glad that I had been wearing the BOA body armor. Since we do not carry handcuffs or pepper spray, the vest gives me a way to protect myself. In my opinion, it should be mandatory for all BOAs to wear it on the job."