In recent months, the world has seen a surge in protests, riots, and civil unrest. With tensions running high, law enforcement and security personnel must be prepared to face any situation. One tool that is becoming increasingly popular among those responsible for keeping the peace is the ballistic shield. But when should a ballistic shield be used? Let’s take a look at when such protection is necessary.
What Is A Ballistic Shield?
A Ballistic Shield is designed to protect law enforcement officers from bullets and other projectiles during riot control operations. The shields are typically made from layers of Kevlar or other bullet-resistant materials that can absorb the impact of bullets without fragmenting or splintering into the air, thus protecting both the officer behind it as well as bystanders in the vicinity.
When Is A Ballistic Shield Necessary?
The decision of whether or not to use a ballistic shield in any given situation will depend on many factors, including the level of threat posed by those involved in the rioting or protesting. If firearms are present, or if there is evidence that firearms may be used, then using a ballistic shield may be called for. That said, it still ultimately comes down to an officer’s judgment call based on their assessment of the situation and how much danger they believe themselves and others may be in.
In addition to firearms threats, a ballistic shield can also be used when rioters are throwing large objects such as rocks or Molotov cocktails at law enforcement officers. The shields provide protection from physical impacts as well as from projectiles hurled through the air. This can help keep officers safe while allowing them to move closer to protesters without fear of being harmed by thrown rocks or other objects.
No matter what kind of situation officers find themselves in while responding to civil unrest incidents, they need appropriate protection to ensure their safety so they can do their job efficiently and effectively. In some cases where firearms or large objects are present or expected, a ballistic shield could be just what an officer needs to stay safe while on duty during such events. However, each individual officer must assess their own level of risk before making any decisions about what kind of protective gear they should use during any given incident.
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