Frequently Asked Questions

What types of equipment are included in riot gear?

Riot gear can include protective clothing and equipment such as upper body protectors, shoulder protectors, shin guards, forearm protectors, groin protectors, shields, masks, megaphones, and crowd-control accessories. These items are used to help protect personnel and support controlled response during high-risk public order situations.

Who typically uses police riot gear?
Police riot gear is commonly used by law enforcement, corrections officers, military personnel, trained security teams, and first responder units assigned to crowd control or civil disturbance response. Use should align with agency training, command direction, and applicable policy.

Is riot gear the same as ballistic body armor?
Riot gear and ballistic body armor serve different roles. Riot gear often focuses on impact protection, limb coverage, shields, and crowd-control readiness, while ballistic armor is designed around ballistic-threat protection when rated for that purpose. Some tactical setups may combine different protective equipment depending on the assignment.

What should a department consider when buying riot gear?
A department should consider the expected use case, required body coverage, mobility, donning speed, compatibility with duty gear, and whether individual components or full-body systems are needed. Team roles, training needs, and storage or transport requirements can also affect the best setup.

Can riot gear be used for corrections or cell extraction operations?
Yes, riot gear may be used by corrections teams for cell extraction, facility disturbance response, and other controlled high-risk situations. Protective components such as hard-shell armor, limb guards, and shields can help support trained teams during close-quarters operations.