Backstory: I've worked with SWAT teams & shield manufacturers for 15 years. Many new shields have been introduced in that time & I wanted to better understand the advantages & limitations of various styles. I was unable to find all the info I wanted to learn in one resource so I put together The Beginner's Guide to Ballistic Shields. I've since had people from around the world reach out & share great new insights, which I've added in this updated version. I hope you find this info useful & walk away with a better appreciation (like I have) for the innovation that goes into shields & for the officers that use them.
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Ballistic shields, also known as bunker shields and ballistic blankets, are used when armed resistance is expected. They are specifically designed to stop bullets and dangerous projectiles. These personal shields (if carried by hand) and mobile personnel shields (if they come with wheels) are used by SWAT, special operations and emergency response teams around the world to help neutralize threats quickly. Such situations include high risk search warrants, raids on drug houses and active shooter among many others.
In recent years, ballistic shields have undergone some important modifications to offer better performance in specific applications. Unlike riot shields (which are usually clear), ballistic shields traditionally have a black exterior, rectangular shape and sometimes come with a viewing port. Technological innovations have enabled the creation of many new ballistic shields over the last 20 years. Every shield has pros and cons and each department needs to evaluate their specific needs, threats they face, and call volume, which can vary tremendously by city, region and country.
This article is meant to serve as a general resource on ballistic shields. It covers Protection, Use of Ballistic Shields, Weight, Size, Shape, Design, Viewports, Color / Finish, Handles, Lighting, Price, Training, Warranty, Innovative Shield Models, Ballistic Shield Manufacturers and Resources
The NIJ (National Institute of Justice) breaks down ballistic protection by levels of ballistic protection. As you can see from the ballistic armor levels graphic above (Image credit: AR500 Armor), there are critical differences in NIJ ballistic levels.
Each department needs to weigh the tradeoff between protection and mobility. Softer armor tends to be lighter weight, easier to maneuver and less expensive. These are easier and more comfortable to use when shooting on the move but tend to offer less protection. Harder armor offers increased protection. The tradeoff, however, is a heavier shield that offers less mobility and a higher price tag.
Depending on tactics, philosophy and budget, the department will decide which shields (if any) to use along with where and when.
Shields like the one above (Photo Credit: Gabriella Rusk, WMTV) can be used in offensive, defensive and patrol situations. There is an excellent article in PoliceOne that outlines some of these situations and tactics in detail. Here is a quick summary of some of them:
To add to the complexity, the game plan needs to be modified based on location. For example, the strategy changes when working in close quarters battles (like a linear assault application in a bus or hotel hallway) versus a home on a large, remote property versus working in a densely populated downtown area.
In some cases, the location can change from one setting to another like in a dynamic, unpredictable active shooter incident. Speed is important no doubt, but the threat type needs to be considered. Many active shooter incidents have involved the use of pistols, rifles, or both. As the need for protection increases, shield weight increases and speed decreases.
There are also niche users like corrections, border patrol, airport police, marine patrol, gang units, tactical narcotics teams, school resource officers, court security, and security checkpoints that need to consider the use of where, when and how to use ballistic shields for protection.
Some ballistic shields are smaller and store in the front of a patrol vehicle for quick access or can be carried on a sling for faster response at riots and entries. In the photos above, a Federal Task Force officer demonstrates how to sling carry a Vector Ballistic Shield on the left while offering protection on the right.
Some shields have built-in steps in the back like the MARS Armor Ballistic Ladder Shield that allow the shield to be used as a ladder. This helps clear obstacles
In addition to being defensive tools, some ballistic shields like the ATT-Tactical™ USI/SFS-Fighting Shield are marketed and manufactured to be utilized as a striking instrument when needed. Examples include CQB (close quarters battle) situations or when a fast-moving Entry Team has to quickly place a non-compliant subject upon the ground as they move through a house or structure without sacrificing the Shield Operator to stay behind as they advance.
Ballistic shields are incredibly valuable tools that can go a long way in helping keep officers and communities safe. Factors like weather, area trends, surrounding environments and surface level need to also be considered when a department selects a shield. Depending on the desired use and ballistic protection required, the ideal shield’s weight, size, shape and additional features can be selected. There are also accessories like mobile trolley systems (that shields can mount to) that can provide added mobility and speed when using larger, heavier shields.
In the early 2000s, many shields on the market were rectangular with flat fronts (and sometimes with curved edges). This simple, straightforward design stopped select bullets and saved lives. While effective, they were heavy, which made them challenging to hold for extended periods of time. As a result, operator speed and mobility slowed significantly, especially when the situation required the user to cover a lot of ground.
In the past, some departments chose not to use ballistic shields because of this reason. Advancements in materials, however, (including the use of composites, hybrid composites, carbon fiber, Kevlar and ceramic) have significantly reduced shield weight.
In some cases, Level III shields went from 50 lbs (23 kg) to 14 lbs (6 kg) in 10 years. This allows the officer to move around much faster in dynamic threat scenarios while still maintaining the same level of ballistic protection. Essentially, departments can purchase soft armor Level IIIA shields that perform just as well as hard armor Level IIIA shields from 20 years ago with better maneuverability due to their weight and design.
Ballistic shields are available in a variety of sizes and shapes to best protect against specific threats. Depending on the manufacturer, shields can come in a variety of sizes as shown in the images above (Photo Credit: MARS Armor). Some ballistic shields are as small as 16 x 20 inches (41 x 53 cm) for use when there is additional ballistic protection (trees, walls, etc.) nearby. These are designed to protect the torso (vital organs), face and neck while being easy and fast to deploy. They make a lot of sense for patrol officers to have in their car for establishing and maintaining perimeters or entering questionable scenes.
Certain shields are significantly larger at 24 x 48 inches (61 x 122 cm) to offer full body protection. The most common shield sizes tend to be between 20 x 30 inches (51 x 76 cm) and 24 x 36 inches (61 x 91 cm). These offer a combination of protection and mobility. Finally, there are large Level IV rolling shield systems that bring maximum ballistic protection. These provide overhead protection and can protect multiple officers at the same time. The tradeoff here is increased protection for increased weight along with decreased mobility and speed.
Each unique shape, each unique shape has its own inherent advantages and limitations.
All ballistic shields are designed to stop or deflect bullets fired at their carrier. The materials used impact the weight and protection.
Viewports are the clear windows in shields as in the image above (Photo Credit: Patriot3) that allow the operator to see. Like the rest of the shield, the viewport needs to be ultra durable and bullet resistant. For this reason, viewports are made of stronger materials like polycarbonate.
Technological advancements have resulted in different sized and shaped viewports. In some cases, a small viewport is sufficient to get the job done. Some of the newer shields have viewports that are wider and taller so that the operator can see straight ahead, laterally and up and down. This added visibility increases the officer’s safety and provides them with the tactical advantage of having eyes on the threat at all times.
Not all ballistic shields have a viewport. In some cases, the viewport can be the heaviest part of the shield. In addition, any scratches or damage to the viewport will limit vision.
Up until recently, most ballistic shields were only available in black so as not to draw much attention. Recently, additional colors have become available in select shields including Tan, Coyote, Ranger Green, Multi Cam and Multi Cam Black. Some shields have Kevlar-looking finishes. Some shields are painted so as to refract NIR (near infrared), which prevents some night vision goggles (NVGs) from being able to see the shield (and user behind it).
Some manufacturers introduced transparent ballistic shields made of polycarbonate laminate. These include the Blue Ridge Armor Clear-Guard , Safariland Hi-VIZ Type IIIA Shield and METT-T LLC TAC Shield that offer Level IIIA protection. Their transparent design minimizes visual obstructions and helps the officer better see trip hazards and identify threats.
Handle systems determine how a shield is carried. This critical design feature therefore impacts the firearms and shooting styles used. Departments have different carrying carrying methods and some unique handle designs can accommodate multiple preferences.
The best handle design will vary based on each agency's SOP (standard operating procedure) for training and shield carrying method. Many of the handle systems have a solid 2 position or 3 position carry method that allows for single and dual handed operation. An ambidextrous handle design allows right and left handed operators to carry a shield without having to make adjustments on the handle. Ergonomic additions like high density forearm pads add comfort when carrying the shield and reduce backface injuries to the forearm.
Different handle options are available:
Handles used to be simple plastic or metal attachments. Nowadays, these handles are made of aluminum, polycarbonate or composite materials. In some cases, handles are even integrated into components like lighting systems for a more streamlined design.
Like anything else, sometimes handles break and need to be replaced. Select manufacturers offer replacement handles. Consult the manufacturer recommendations and warranty before purchasing or installing a unique handle system to an existing shield.
Shield lighting is a non-lethal tool that 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.
With lighting for ballistic shields, operators need to turn on and off quickly as usually it's only needed for brief intervals at critical times. It is critical for the pressure switch to be quickly and easily accessible to the operator.
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.
AFTERMARKET vs INTEGRATED LIGHTING
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.
Light placement on the shield is also important. This will be covered in a separate article but there are advantages and limitations to mounting the light towards the top, middle and size of the shield. Training and working out the pros/cons for the combination of the light and operator duties with the shield
Want more information on The Ultimate Guide To Ballistic Shields? Feel free to contact us.
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.
Some companies have agency and team-specific shield training available with their shields like Vector Police Shields. There are different training organizations around the world like Guardian Centers and the National Tactical Officer's Association (NTOA) that provide online and field training.
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), Chris Sfedu (EDI-USA), James Steffen, Kristina Lorinc (Vector Shields), ATT-Tactical and HighCom Armor for their assistance with this article.
The following articles provide helpful information that I have used in compiling this resource.
Shields have been around since the beginning of combat. As gladiators stood in front of their combatants holding their shield, law enforcement officers encounter threats while holding the modern equivalent. Ballistic shields have proven to be a very valuable asset to any special operations team and even the patrol officer. These ballistic shields have gone from heavy, cumbersome shields (like the body bunker made of hard and heavy materials) to lightweight versions offering the same physical protection from many different types of life threatening projectiles.
To ensure that officers are as safe as possible while on the streets, patrol use of lightweight and portable ballistic shields should be considered – similar to the philosophy incorporated when concealable body armor was first introduced for daily patrol wear. Because humans have used shields to protect themselves from a wide range of weaponry for several centuries, as more powerful guns become more widespread, the extra protection provided by shields could become a necessity for daily patrol usage.
Most of the ballistic shields available today are rectangular in shape and share much in common with ancient shields. Typically, one arm and hand is dedicated to carrying the shield, while the other arm and hand manipulates a weapon. But with advances in technology over the past several centuries, today’s warriors are faced with more options than in the past.
Some of the questions that are often raised during the process of researching ballistic shields are: What is the handle and carry system used in this ballistic shield? How heavy is it? Is it easy to operate with one hand or do I need two hands? Does the NIJ ballistics specification of this shield match the threat level I will encounter? The following is a list of important aspects to consider before purchasing a ballistic shield:
1. Use: Will the ballistic shield be needed for patrol use, tactical use, or both functions? If used for patrol only, will it be used in an observational or defensive role, or during the aggressive pursuit and approach to an armed individual?
When researching ballistic shields, the buyer must first determine the mission and logistics of how and by whom the shield will be used, and the type of situation that the ballistic shield may be required.
2. Storage: Will the shield be stored inside the patrol vehicle, kept in a supervisor’s vehicle, or stored back at headquarters (or some other remote location)?
Being that shields are wieldy, you want to make sure you can store them in the facilities provided. Once the logistics of ballistic shield storage and transportation are determined, the type of shield to be purchased becomes clear.
3. Strength: All modern day ballistic shields are portable protective barriers between the shield bearer and a ballistic threat. As is true with all ballistic protective armor products, the thicker and heavier the armor, the higher the protective level against greater penetrating ballistic threats.
If used for tactical purposes, is center-fire rifle caliber protection (NIJ Threat Levels III & IV) a requirement? When the ballistic capability is required to defeat center-fire long-guns (such as an AK-47), is the agency prepared to transport and assemble the ballistic shield (with wheels) prior to deployment at the scene?
Also, like personal and tactical body armor, most ballistic shields are warranted and insured to defeat rated threats for a period of five years following delivery. However, when properly cared for, ballistic shields should continue to defeat bullets for many years after the original manufacturer’s warranty has expired.
4. Weight: When considered for an observational or defensive protective role, is lack of armored viewing window a possible trade-off in order to save the weight and cost of an armored observational viewing port?
Any armored, transparent viewing-window incorporated into the shield design adds considerable weight and support structure to the shield, and must be evaluated in the context of mobility and weapon accuracy required to complete the intended mission.
5. Ballistics: The following list of categories and specifications will help match the right ballistic shield to the proper mission:
a. Active Shooter or IARD type response by patrol first responders – Portable foldable lightweight Level IIIA composite ballistic shield, 10 to 13 lbs, allowing 2 hands on the weapon (handgun or long-gun) and shield, readily stored inside the patrol vehicle’s passenger compartment or vehicle trunk.
b. Patrol establishment of defensive perimeter and observation to potential shots fired situation – Traditional NIJ Threat Level IIIA rectangular windowed ballistic shield, 15 to 30 lbs. (depending upon size), or non-windowed ballistic shield, 8 to 20 lbs. (depending upon size) allowing defensive use of handgun only, possible storage in vehicle trunk (depending upon available space), or at remote location.
c. Tactical response against handgun, shotgun and sub-machinegun threats – Traditional NIJ Threat Level IIIA rectangular windowed ballistic shield, 15 to 25 lbs., allows the shield bearer the ability to one hand fire a handgun around the shield with limited effectiveness while aiming through the armored view port. Second officer in line, (preferably carrying a long-gun) can be trained to step out from behind the shield bearer and engage a threat.
d. Tactical response against center-fire rifle – NIJ Threat Level III or IV threats, non-windowed NIJ Threat Level III composite ballistic shield, 18 to 35 lbs. Ballistic steel and/or ceramic NIJ Threat Levels III and IV available larger sized ballistic shields available requiring assembly onto wheeled dolly and supportive framing, 150 to 400 lbs.
Do you have any other suggestions for officers purchasing and evaluating handguns? Please leave a comment below or email products@policeone.com with your feedback.
Police1 special contributors Rick Armellino and Dave Young contributed to this report.
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