BROKEN ARROW — Doug Pray likes to say he is creating the next generation of bulletproof vests. But in truth he and fellow inventor Dale Adams are creating full body armor for law enforcement ...

There are several things that you carry with you that offer protection like a bulletproof vest or a plate carrier but there are some obvious differences between the two things.

Police department receives grant for bulletproof vests St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster said bulletproof vests are among the most critical pieces of equipment for officers.

But apparently that also happens often enough in real life for someone to develop a bulletproof vest with an auto-inflating air bladder to keep someone afloat if they’re injured or unconscious.

But generally speaking, civilians in most states are free to buy bulletproof vests from online retailers like Armor Protection Technologies and BulletSafe. Prices range from $299 to $525.

BURLINGTON, N.C. -- A bulletproof vest is the reason a Winston-Salem Police Officer is still alive. Officer Nicholas Powell was shot in the chest during a traffic stop Monday morning.