Top 10 Riot Gear Essentials for Law Enforcement: Your Must-Have Checklist

Using the right riot gear keeps law enforcement officers safe and gives them the confidence they need in even the most chaotic situations.

Peacefulness has fallen in nearly every region of the world for 12 of the past 16 years, according to the Global Peace Index 2024. The United States had the most significant fall in its region. Riots, mob violence, and out-of-control protests all lead to the loss of peacefulness. Rioters often direct their anger at the law enforcement officers charged with the safety of the public, and this anger puts officers in danger. To quell these riots, law enforcement officers must stay safe, and riot gear can help them perform their duties effectively while minimizing personal harm.

A wide variety of personal protective tactical equipment (PPE) and training gear is now available to law enforcement officers.

1. Riot Helmets

Riot helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries, lacerations, and skull fractures by acting as a physical barrier against physical assaults, chemical irritants, and thrown projectiles. Features such as face shields and neck guards provide additional protection from assaults from the front and behind.

1. Riot Shields

Riot shields protect against blunt force trauma, such as from batons and thrown objects, and prevent rioters from breaking through police lines. Features such as forearm padding offer extra protection.

1. Riot Gloves

A law enforcement officer’s hands are at risk during riots. Riot gloves help reduce the risk of cuts, burns, and exposure to hazardous substances. Hardened knuckles and padded Kevlar gloves provide enhanced resistance during scuffles.

1. Cooling and Hydration Packs

Controlling riots is hard work, and traditional riot gear can restrict air flow when officers need it most. Cooling gel pack sets and hydration pack systems can allow officers to carry water easily and drink from a convenient drinking tube when things get hot.

1. Riot Suits

Lightweight, flexible riot suits offer head-to-toe protection to vital organs from thrown objects, stabbing, and blunt-force strikes. Mounted Patrol Riot Suits protect the officer and their horse during riots.

1. Carry Bags

To control riots, law enforcement officers must have various accessories. Gas mask bags, MK9 pouches, Grenadier Bags, mini duffle bags, riot suit deployment bags, drawstring bags, and other bags can fit all the accessories an officer needs.

1. Lower limb protection

An officer’s legs are at risk from kicks and other types of assault that can prevent a law enforcement officer from staying on their feet. Thigh protectors and leg guards protect an officer’s lower limbs without impeding free movement.

1. Upper limb protection

An officer’s arms are particularly vulnerable to injury during a riot, as the use of batons or firearms requires the officer to hold their arms away from their bodies. Arm guards and protectors provide a layer of protection to the upper and lower parts of the arms.

1. Groin cups and guards

Groin protection is essential for law enforcement officers. Designed for blunt trauma, groin cups, and guards provide exceptional shock-absorbing protection.

1. Batons

Batons provide a less lethal response to riots. Polycarbonate batons deliver more impact, are more durable, and are more highly effective than wood batons.

For more information on riot gear essentials for law enforcement officers, consult with Haven Gear.

Our comprehensive catalog is highly informational and easy to navigate. Haven Gear provides cutting-edge riot gear that keeps law enforcement officers moving forward.