Facts About Riot Gear You Should Know
Law enforcement needs protection in the field. Riot gear offers law enforcement with superior full body and head protection. Below, we explore the history of riot gear, its purpose, and where you can find high-quality gear that meets your team’s unique needs.
Interesting Facts About Riots & Riot Gear
- Riot gear was invented in France.
- The first police force to use riot gear was called the National Gendarmerie.
- The biggest and deadliest riot in history was the Partition riot in India and Punjab.
- The largest riots in the United States occurred in Los Angeles in 1992 after the assault of Rodney King.
- Syria has more riots than any other country in the world.
- More than 300 riots have occurred every year since 2016.
- The most violent riots in America were the 1967 Detroit riots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Riot Gear
What is the purpose of riot gear?
Riot gear is designed to protect police officers and other law enforcement personnel from physical harm in various scenarios. Riot gear typically includes body armor, helmets, shields, and other items that protect from various types of injuries that can occur in the field.
Another key use for riot gear is preemptive riot deterrence. By having law enforcement and military personnel visibly wearing riot gear in potential hotspots ahead of time, it sends a message that authorities are prepared for any potential violence and are not afraid to use less lethal force if necessary. This can help discourage would-be rioters from taking any action in the first place.
What does riot gear protect you from?
Riot gear can offer different levels of protection from physical attacks, depending on the materials used, the type of attack, and various other factors. Full riot suits are effective at protecting against the tactical accessories officers use during crowd control situations, like pepper spray, tear gas, and rubber bullets.
Riot gear also provides a measure of anonymity for police officers, which can help de-escalate potentially tense situations.
When was riot gear invented?
Riot gear was first invented in 1921 by French police, who desired a non-lethal way to manage large or unruly crowds. Around 60 officers were initially trained in crowd control in Paris, and the movement spread worldwide.
In 1925, China also began to use non-lethal forms of crowd management and brought even more innovation to the table with their invention of holsters to prevent weapon theft and shields to block projectiles. Since then, riot gear has been used by law enforcement and military personnel during riots, protests, and other public disturbances.
What is riot gear made from?
Riot gear is typically made from synthetic materials that are both lightweight and durable to offer protection without added bulk. This can include Kevlar, nylon, polycarbonate, and other similar materials.
Important Considerations When Using Riot Gear
Riot gear needs to be comfortable to wear for long periods, since officers may be out in the field during a protest or other civil unrest situation for many hours without a break. Riot gear should also fit properly to offer the best possible protection, and should be regularly inspected for damage. Equipment should be cleaned, well-maintained, and kept in a proper storage facility when not in use.
Officers should also be trained in the proper use of riot gear and how to respond to different scenarios involving civil unrest using their gear. Failure to adequately train officers before sending them out in the field can have serious consequences, both for the safety of officers and the people they are protecting.
Shop Top Quality Riot Gear Today
At Haven Gear, protection for law enforcement is what we are passionate about. We offer a wide variety of riot gear options for law enforcement. We can guide you through the process of selecting the right gear for your team members. Contact us today to learn more or browse our selection of riot gear and accessories now at havengear.com.