From Helmets to Body Armor: The Essential Riot Gear Every Security Personnel Needs

When security personnel are in an intense, life-threatening situation, the armor they wear matters. While standard body armor can work well for hazardous conditions, officers must upgrade to full-blown riot gear when entering emergencies or high-stakes scenarios. In most cases, the proper armor can mean the difference between life and death for each person involved.

But what are the essential components of riot gear? Although each situation is unique, the threats are not. Typically, security personnel face threats from firearms, sharp blades or pointed weapons, blunt objects (i.e., bricks), and even motor vehicles. So, each officer must have as much protection as possible. While 100 percent protection is impossible, the right gear from Haven Gear can get close.

A Breakdown of Essential Riot Gear

Helmet

The head is the most essential part of the body, and it’s a prime target for adversaries. Helmets are crucial for protecting the head and face but must also allow for movement and visibility. Face shields help protect officers from strikes while providing as much range of vision as possible.

Riot Shield

Riot shields are critical accessories when crowd containment or dispersal is necessary. These shields protect officers from most threats and allow them to create a nearly impenetrable barrier between them and others. Polycarbonate shields from Haven Gear are designed to be tough and flexible while still allowing complete visibility. This way, personnel can use the shield to protect their heads while seeing the threats before them.

Body Armor

Standard body armor is insufficient for riot gear because officers may find themselves in a crowded situation with threats. Full body armor is necessary to ensure maximum protection while allowing individuals freedom of movement.

There’s a trade-off with body armor, though. According to the National Institute of Justice, which sets standards for body armor, the more protection a piece offers, the heavier it is.

At Haven Gear, we have body armor packages for different riot situations. Each part of the suit is lightweight yet durable, so officers aren’t restricted but can still feel confident enough to work in dangerous situations as needed. We even offer armor for mounted officers.

Gas Masks

In some situations, tear gas or other chemical agents may be deployed for crowd control and dispersal. In these instances, security personnel need gas masks to protect them and allow them to stay focused and capable.

Radios and Headsets/Earpieces

Security officers need to be able to communicate effectively with each other during tense situations. Because the area may be loud, earpieces and other radio devices allow individuals to talk clearly despite the noise. These communication devices ensure officers can deploy quickly, making them more adaptable to the changing environment.

Utility Belt

Riot officers have different roles during an engagement, so they need various tools and devices ready. Utility belts allow individuals to carry other gear, such as restraining devices, radios, batteries, batons, and other accessories.

Fire-Resistant Clothing

Body armor goes a long way toward protecting a security officer, but it can only do so much. Personnel also need fire and slash-resistant clothing in case a situation escalates. Thicker clothing can add another layer of defense and ensure each officer makes it through an engagement unscathed.

Hydration and Cooling Systems

While armor and shields can protect against targeted threats, exhaustion and overheating are just as dangerous. Haven Gear’s riot suits are designed to accommodate hydration and cooling systems so officers don’t get heat stroke or pass out during a critical moment.

Haven Gear is Your Premier Riot Gear Supplier

Overall, there’s no such thing as being “over-prepared” for a situation where riot gear is involved. It’s always better for officers to have more than what they need than too little, as that could create dangerous scenarios where personnel are unprepared for an engagement.

But more than that, the specific type of gear you choose matters. Haven Gear understands the threats officers face in the field, and we ensure our products are designed to mitigate and combat those threats. Let us protect your personnel!