Militaries have used shields as a tool for protection for thousands of years. However, they gradually lost popularity when gunpowder was mass produced, for obvious reasons. In the 20th century, they were reactivated as a law enforcement agency due to their need and popularity. Police and security personnel can use the modern riot shield by themselves or in dangerous situations as a protective measure. While ballistic blankets offer a great deal of protection, they tend to prove ineffective in fast paced situations.
Unlike ballistic blankets, modern riot shields can be used to protect, control crowds, control individual prisoners, and many other purposes. Just like ballistic blankets, there are some limitations to riot shields as well. Since most riot shields are made of 4mm thick plastic polycarbonate, they are not bulletproof, arrow proof, unbreakable, or even fireproof. Eventually, riot shields will break if struck repeatedly or with enough force. At the very least, polycarbonate is flame resistant, even though it is not fireproof. When flaming projectiles are involved in violent confrontations, this is especially important.
Ballistic shields, on the other hand, are designed to be bullet-resistant. Riot shields, on the other hand, are not. This depends on how much protection you need from the shields. You would effectively protect yourself from most firearms and handgun rounds with ballistic shields. It is even possible to develop ballistic shields that protect from rifle attacks.
Despite their shortcomings, riot shields have been proven to be an effective means of driving back protesters and preventing them from pushing through police lines. Most police officers believe that unarmed protesters can’t stand a chance against riot shields during a riot. Even though it may not be able to deal with all riots, riot shields and batons can handle most cases. The police may escalate to using CS gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets if this combination isn’t deemed sufficient.
For more articles, please click here.
