Riot Shields

During dangerous situations involving large groups of people, police forces need a lightweight, inexpensive solution that they can protect themselves with. A riot shield does just that and more. Riot shields act as a physical barrier between an officer and their assailants. They’re most commonly used during public disturbances such as riots and for dangerous cell extractions.

These riot shields offer protection against projectiles such as bricks, bottles, rocks, etc. as well as physical attacks including kicks and punches. They can also protect against low-velocity fragments and splash hazards. They will not, however, protect against bullets. (For ballistic protection, please look at our selection of ballistic shields). 

The materials used are most often durable plastics such as polycarbonate thermoplastic and are transparent so that officers can see incoming threats. They will also be long enough to cover the body from top to bottom and vary in thickness (commonly 2 - 8 mm). 

Galls carries a variety of riot police shields including round shields, convex shields, concave shields and more.

Popular Riot Shields

The Concave Riot Shield by Paulson is constructed from a lightweight, yet strong Lexan plastic that will protect the body’s most vital areas. This police shield only weighs 8.5 pounds and features a two-piece breakaway strap with an aluminum handle. It can also have a “police” or “corrections” title placed as well.

The Paulson Convex Riot Shield is perfect for dangerous cell extractions. Its convex design provides greater protection for corrections officers. This convex shield is made from clear, extra-strong Lexan plastic and includes padded handles with metal reinforcements.

Additional Riot Gear

Riot shields aren’t the only piece needed to protect tactical officers against dangerous situations. What they equip themselves with is just as important. Galls proudly carries over 300 different types of riot gear that will fully protect officers from assailants. This includes riot suits, gas masks, MOLLE gear, forced entry tools, night vision goggles and much more.

For full-body protection against blunt force trauma, the Damascus FlexForce Riot Control Suit comes highly recommended. This riot suit includes electrum XP8 hard shell panels that cover the chest, back, forearms, thighs and knees. The front and back hard shell panels have a modular flex for enhanced comfort and mobility.

The Howard Leight Survivair Opti-Fit Tactical Gas Mask is developed specifically for tactical, NBC and riot control first responders. This gas mask is NTOA tested and approved and includes three different positions for mounting a canister, a distortion-free polycarbonate lens and a soft silicone facepiece. This tactical mask is also NIOSH approved with the Howard Leight gas mask canister (sold separately).