In a world that is increasingly plagued by high-risk encounters and gun violence, law enforcement officers face a daunting challenge: how to protect themselves and the public they serve from the threat of high-powered rifles and other firearms. As the nature of criminal threats evolves, so too must the tools and tactics used by law enforcement to counter them. One critical tool that every patrol car should be equipped with is a rifle-rated shield.
First and foremost, having a rifle rated shield in every patrol car means every officer has the confidence and ability to address rifle threats at any time. The time between the call to threat engagement is currently the most critical factor in saving lives. The less time between the two, the more lives saved.
Rifle-rated shields are specifically designed to withstand the impact of high-velocity rifle rounds, providing law enforcement officers with a crucial layer of protection in situations where ordinary body armor may prove inadequate. When an officer takes a rifle round in the vest it can take them out of the fight and that is dependent on if they took the time to put in the rifle rated plates. Also, the head, arms and girdle area are exposed when using only a vest for protection. When using a compact response shield in a fight forward stance, these vulnerable areas are covered. These ballistic shields are made from advanced materials and engineered to absorb and dissipate the energy of incoming bullets and at 10 lbs. and under they can be wielded by any officer.
The importance of rifle-rated shields cannot be overstated in the context of active shooter situations. When faced with an assailant armed with a rifle, officers without adequate protection are at a severe disadvantage. Traditional body armor, while effective against handgun rounds, offers little defense against the penetrating power of rifles. Even with the addition of rifle rated plates, the kinetic energy from a round to the vest is enough to take an officer out of the fight. A rifle-rated shield can not only mean the difference between life and death, but can keep the officer in the fight long enough to eliminate the threat and save civilian lives.
Moreover, rifle-rated ballistic shields are not only essential for protection during active shooter incidents but also in a variety of other high-risk encounters. From felony stops, armed standoffs to drug raids, officers frequently find themselves confronting individuals armed with handguns, knives, bats, rifles or other weapons. In these situations, having access to a shield capable of stopping high-powered rounds provides officers with a critical tactical advantage, allowing them to approach and neutralize threats more safely and effectively.
Beyond their immediate tactical utility, rifle-rated shields also serve as a powerful deterrent against violence. The presence of such shields sends a clear message to would-be assailants that law enforcement agencies are prepared and equipped to respond to threats with decisive force. This can help to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations and prevent violence before it occurs.
Some critics may argue that the cost of equipping every patrol car with a rifle-rated shield is prohibitive. However, when weighed against the potential cost of lives lost or injuries sustained in active shooter incidents and high-risk encounters, the investment in such equipment is clearly justified. Furthermore, advances in materials and manufacturing processes have made rifle-rated shields more affordable and accessible than ever before.
Rifle-rated ballistic shields in every patrol car is not just a prudent precaution; it is a moral imperative. In an age where the threat of violence looms large, law enforcement officers must be equipped with the tools they need to protect themselves and the communities they serve. Rifle-rated ballistic shields provide a critical layer of defense against the deadliest of firearms, ensuring that officers are better prepared to confront the dangers they face on a daily basis. As such, their presence in every patrol car should be considered not just a recommendation, but a requirement.
The goal of putting a rifle rated ballistic shield in every patrol car in America is far from unattainable. There are many grants and programs available specifically for putting rifle rated ballistic shields in the hands of patrol officers and school resource officers. Please reach out to your local police department and ask how you can help.