Full Disclosure: I've worked with SWAT teams and shield manufacturers for 15 years. I've seen lots of new ballistic shield models introduced in that time. They looked neat but I knew little about the why behind the designs or the advantages and limitations. I started doing some research to learn more. My curiosity took over and I couldn't find all my answers in one place so I put this guide together. While I'm no expert and this not a complete resource, I hope you find this info useful and walk away with a better appreciation (like I have) for the innovation that goes into the shields and for the officers that use them
longkui supply professional and honest service.
Shield lighting provides the operator with a tactical advantage. Because lighting is positioned on the outside of ballistic shields, it needs to be ultra durable to withstand impacts (from projectiles, bumps, etc.), water, or chemicals.
Operators need to turn on and off quickly as usually it's only needed for brief intervals at critical times.
High powered solid-on illumination helps the operator to see obstacles, threats and small details while also forcing the subject to look away or turn around. Strobe lighting can also be used to disorient the subject and provide the officer with a huge tactical advantage.
Some lights can be securely clamped (FoxFury Taker B10) or mounted with industrial Velcro (FoxFury Taker B30 and B50) to the shield. These aftermarket lights provide high performing wide beam angles that help operators increase vision compared to weapon mounted lights. Ballistics are also NOT compromised since no drilling is needed to install. A remote pressure switch is used for activating momentary and tactical light settings and the built in kill switch prevents accidental illumination.
Some lights (like the FoxFury Taker B70 and Elzetta Shield Light) can be fully integrated into the shield. The big advantage here is there are NO exposed cables and the ambidextrous power/mode switch is on the handle. Batteries are also located inside the handle. The downside to these models that they should ONLY be installed by the shield manufacturer, so the ballistic rating is maintained and can’t be purchased or installed after an agency has shields in the field. This integrated lighting solution is wonderful when law enforcement is able to plan purchases to include the lights, but not an option for use as an aftermarket light.
Given the added protection conveyed, ballistic shields are priced higher than polycarbonate riot shields. Some of the smaller shields are in the $500 - $1,000 (USD) range. Most shields are priced between $1,000 and $4,000 (USD) with some of the larger and rolling, mobile ballistic shields costing more than $5,000.
As any law enforcement officer will tell you, it is critical to know your tools. SWAT trains a great deal so they know how to properly use the tools at their disposal and can deploy them in dangerous situations where lives are on the line. Knowing how tools function independently and in conjunction with other gear greatly improves speed and decision making.
Training with the ballistic shield in different training scenarios helps the operator make sound judgments. As with any specialty equipment, it is best to study the owner's manual and know its advantages and limitations while in a classroom setting.
Incorrect shield usage can result in possible injury and death. It can also void the warranty.
Warranties are guaranteed against defects but will not cover damage from misuse, abuse or damage from threat levels beyond what the shield was rated for. In addition, they may not cover damage brought on by poor storage (extended time in a vehicle or trunk) that results in the shield being subjected to extreme temperatures. Drilling or cutting holes into the shield or using non approved chemicals, solvents and cleaning agents will also void the warranty.
Warranties on shields vary tremendously by manufacturer, ranging from 5 to 25 years. As with any warranty, the devil is always in the details and the warranty is only as good as the company’s word and reputation. For that reason, dealing with trusted, reputable shield manufacturers and distributors gives peace of mind and results in better service.
How long do ballistic shields last?
According to some of the manufacturers consulted for this article, ballistic shields are replaced every 5 - 8 years with standard use. Normally the items will last past these periods, but the material fibers may get rigid and the items may not provide optimal protection for the end users. For this reason, it's important to inspect shields periodically and store them properly.
When should ballistic shields be replaced?
Depending on the make and model, some components like lights and viewports can be field replaceable. Shields should be replaced when warped, cracked, damaged or pierced.
There are several shield manufacturers that offer ballistic shields. Here are some innovative shields with different sizes, designs and purposes.
There are several ballistic shield manufacturers. This list includes some reputable OEM shield manufacturers and original designers. Knock off or generic shield products are not included.
In the end, Police Departments, Sheriff Offices, and other Law Enforcement personnel should select ballistic shields based on the unique threats they face while considering the level of protection, shield size, and need for speed. Continuous training is highly recommended to build operator muscle memory and confidence deploying shields in critical situations.
Lastly, a special thanks to Mark Cardey (The Safariland Group), Paul Banducci (United Shield International), Mike Ott (Point Blank Enterprises) and Chris Sfedu (EDI-USA) and HighCom Armor for their assistance with this article.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of The Ultimate Guide To Ballistic Shields. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
The following is paid content sponsored by ATS Armor.
By Police1 BrandFocus Staff
Body armor saves lives. However, it can be difficult to know which of the many options is right for you and your department. Choosing your body armor solution need not be an agonizing misery. With the help of the NIJ and other organizations, body armor has come a long way in meeting today’s law enforcement needs.
Here are five things to consider next time you buy body armor:
When choosing your armor, first determine the mission during which you will most likely be wearing it and the level of protection you will most likely need.
“The first thing we ask protectors when talking about purchasing body armor is to identify the threat they face,” said Brian Beckwith, co-founder and COO of ATS Armor. “If you face the probability of a rifle threat, don’t go into that threat environment with pistol protection armor. Know the difference.”
SWAT officers will need protection against more than handguns, and the rise in active shooter incidents means more police departments are investing in rifle-rated hard armor plates for patrol officers. At a minimum, make sure you choose body armor that will also stop the rounds from the handgun you will be carrying in the event of a disarming.
Once you know your threat level, you can start to look at what body armor is right for you. The National Institute of Justice conducts ballistic and other tests to judge the effectiveness of a manufacturer’s vests, soft panels and hard plates (or a combination thereof), as well as to determine the useful lifespan of that armor.
It’s important to know which option stops a given caliber of threat. These range from Types I, IIA, II and IIIA for handguns to hard armor Types III, III++ and IV to defeat rifle and armor-piercing rounds. The higher the rating, the greater the protection.
It’s also important to understand the difference between stand-alone armor and in-conjunction armor.
Police officers frequently wear soft body armor underneath their uniforms. This offers protection against handguns, but an additional hard plate is needed to defend against rifle rounds. This pairing is referred to as in-conjunction body armor – together, they defeat the threat. An in-conjunction plate must be worn with the specific soft body armor it was tested with to be effective.
With a stand-alone armor plate, no other protection is needed to be effective against the prescribed threat level, although many officers choose to wear these in a carrier vest for convenience.
Armor only protects you when you’re wearing it. It is crucial that you choose the right armor for the threats you’re likely to face in the field and to make sure you always wear it.
It’s well worth the time and effort to fit and wear-test different brands and combinations of armor. Move around to get a sense for how it will feel in the field. Mount your accessories, shoulder your weapon, put your gear on and see how the different armor moves with you. Does the system chafe? Does that plate prevent you from mounting the weapon properly? Does it hamper arm movement? Does it interfere with your handgun or duty belt items? These are all critical considerations when deciding on an armor system.
Body armor should cover three key areas of your torso: front, back and sides. Trained personnel from manufacturers can assist you with proper fitting. Get measured correctly when you buy your armor. It should be snug without hampering movement. Make sure it doesn’t ride up into your throat or interfere with your duty belt when you squat, sit or bend.
“Proper placement of the plates is critical. The very top of the plate should be about an inch below the center of the joining point of your clavicles,” said Beckwith. “If the plates are not worn in the correct position on the body, they will not protect the vital organs as they are designed, and we suggest a full system of side and torso plates for complete protection. You just never know, going into a given threat environment, where that threat is going to be facing you. It’s not always going to be head-on.”
If your weight or body dimensions have changed after your original fitting, it’s a good idea to have the fit of your armor system re-evaluated to find out whether your armor still fits properly or needs to be replaced. Fitting body armor can be especially problematic for female officers, although custom options are available from many manufacturers. The NIJ provides a useful video with fitting tips here.
For more than 25 years, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has encouraged ballistic protection for all police officers, and increasingly, agencies are requiring officers to wear a protective vest at all times.
Body armor can mean the difference between life and death, and it’s critical to find the option that works best for you. If you need help purchasing a vest, the NIJ sponsors the Bulletproof Vest Partnership, which helps provide grant money for officers. Always check to make sure they are NIJ compliant. If in doubt, find out.
For more information on body armor and other protective products, contact ATS Armor.
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