Police Riot gear

[Timelord]

Proper crossbows will penetrate Kevlar vests. That is why the police are so shit scared of them. For the common cheap nasty crossbows that so many preppers unfortunately seem to purchase, then a Kevlar vest most likely will stop one of those light target bolts.
For proper HD crossbows, Broad heads (sharp ones) slice through the weave and could be superior to bullet point bolts if my memory serves me right. Bodkin heads are a different kettle of fish (where does that phrase come from?) and are also effective.
Just a note - spike points also penetrate Kevlar vests. The type fastened on a device and wielded effectively by hand.
Blunt trauma from hand held weapons is very effectively subdued by a Kevlar vest, but blunt trauma from a shotgun slug will still be a v.painful experience and quite possibly debilitating.