5 Key Pieces of Riot Gear Every Officer Should Have for Crowd Control

One of the primary goals in law enforcement is ensuring that officers return home safely at the end of each shift. Scrapes, bruises, cuts, burns, and dehydration pose real risks during significant crowd control events. You can reduce the chances of a hospital visit by equipping your officers with top-tier riot gear and training them to use it effectively. Here are five essential riot gear officers should have for crowd control.

1. Shields

Shields have played a crucial role in crowd control for thousands of years. Riot shields help maintain order and calm tense situations. Our clear polycarbonate shields protect officers from flying projectiles, fireworks, and other threats in a riot. We also offer a reverse curve capture shield, ideal for corrections officers to restrain a combative individual while reducing the risk of injury.

2. Integrated Hydration

A U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine study revealed that dehydration during long hours negatively affects cognitive function, leading to slower reaction times and poor decision-making. Your officers face similar risks during prolonged periods of civil unrest.

Haven Gear’s riot suits feature an integrated hydration system to help prevent dehydration. Officers can attach a durable water bladder and hose to the MOLLE system on the back of the suit. We also offer hook-and-loop cooling packs, which can be inserted inside the suit for relief.

3. Riot Helmets

While riot shields provide excellent frontal protection, they can’t shield officers from every incoming object. Haven Gear’s riot helmets step in when officers can’t raise their shields quickly enough.

Our helmets feature neck flaps to protect the back of the neck and shoulder blades. Integrated face shields safeguard officers’ eyes and mouths from thrown debris. We also offer replacement face shields if the original is cracked, defaced, or damaged.

4. Riot Gloves

Extended scuffles with protesters can result in injuries to officers’ hands and fingers. Our durable riot gloves help prevent these injuries. Choose from two excellent options: a standard set of hard-knuckle gloves in various sizes or gloves with Kevlar lining and partial wrist protection. Both options ensure that your officers’ hands stay protected throughout the day.

5. Tactical Accessories

This recommendation isn’t for a specific piece of gear, but it’s still essential. We’ve revolutionized riot gear by making our lightweight suits highly customizable. We offer a range of tactical accessories to equip your officers for various emergencies. Our MK4 and MK9 pouches hold crowd control spray, and we also provide grenadier bags, utility bags, MOLLE platforms, and hydration bladders. Additionally, check out our backpacks and carry bags, designed to help organize and safely store all your officers’ gear until they need it.