robert kaiser, ppss ceo - featured in homeland security today
TRANSCRIPT
Robert Kaiser, CEO of PPSS Group, featured in Homeland Security Today magazine – talking about slash resistant clothing
PPSS
PPSS
ar too many homeland security pro-
fessionals, law enforcement, prison,
border patrol agents, immigration and cus-
toms officers and even private security pro-
fessionals have suffered severe cut wounds
during physical confrontations or forced
entry operations.
Realizing that there was a need for some
sort of garment that could provide a modi-
cum of protection was the “very reason my
firm, PPSS Group, have developed a range
of ‘slash resistant clothing’ made out of our
very own cut resistant fabric called Cut-Tex
PRO,” explained Robert Kaiser, founder,
owner and CEO of PPSS Group.
F
PPSS
Following an extensive operational career
including service in the German govern-
ment and operating within the private se-
curity sector in some of the most hostile
environments, Kaiser said, “We all need to
accept that injuries sustained from a bladed
attack (or due to an operational accident
can often lead to legal and financial reper-
cussions. From the point of the injured pro-
fessional, and depending on the severity of
such injury, it can often lead to long lasting
emotional scars, ongoing distress or, in very
serious cases, even post-traumatic stress
disorder.”
PPSS
Kaiser pointed out that there have recently
been well documented attacks on Israeli
police officers and military personnel which
highlight the need for a combination of
body armor and slash resistant clothing.
“I am also aware of recent assaults on
homeland security professionals in my
home country Germany, and other coun-
tries around the world, some of which have
resulted in the loss of life,” he said, noting,
“Many team leaders and senior managers
charged with safety of their frontline staff
have since turned to us, seeking help.”
Recent spate of attacks
PPSS
Kaiser said that often, some personal pro-
tective equipment (PPE) does not offer suf-
ficient cut protection and many frontline
professionals have long asked for better cut
and slash protection.
In November, PPSS Group launched what it
terms, “The World’s First Cut & Slash Resis-
tant Combat Shirt,” utilizing its Cut-Tex PRO
fabric, which Kaiser said offers a high level of
cut protection to all key arteries that remain
‘unguarded’, even while wearing the most
modern type of bullet resistant vests or stab
resistant vests.
Addressing the need for better protection
PPSS
Kaiser explained that homeland security
professionals wearing body armor have
either identified a certain risk, or are at least
aware of that risk. “In reference to an edged
weapon, I do not believe this risk is limited
to the torso only, the key arteries we can find
in the wrist, arms and throat are exposed to
the very same risk and deserve appropriate
protection from the most realistic risks and
threats,” said Kaiser. “Understanding all op-
erational aspects of dealing with hostile in-
dividuals, I believe this risk is one that has
been overlooked and not been dealt with in
an appropriate manner.”
PPSS
Consequently, Kaiser believes that more and
more firms will establish themselves offering
protection beside the one most common
body armor manufacturers are currently of-
fering.
Meanwhile, Kaiser said his company is now
supplying correctional/prison facilities,
specific police units and other homeland
security agencies with “purposely designed
garments”, and the Cut-Tex PRO fabric has
also been supplied to other uniform and tac-
tical apparel manufacturers, enabling them
to create bespoke garments based on their
clients’ precise design guidance.
While Kaiser acknowledged that his firm’s
new slash-resistant shirts “are surely not a
replacement for body armor,” he said that
“based on operational threats and risks and
duties they will soon have their place in the
world of PPE.”
“I genuinely believe body armor plays a cru-
cial part in the protection of the men and
women who aim to protect our countries,”
Kaiser continued. “Having said that, I equally
believe specifically designed slash resistant
garments will do exactly the same. They will
increase the chance that these men and
women return home safely after a day of
dealing with intoxicated and hostile mem-
bers of the public.” HST
