Is it legal to own a riot shield?

If you’ve ever watched footage of a riot or a protest that got out of hand, you’ve probably seen law enforcement officers using riot shields as a form of self-protection and crowd control. These riot shields can effectively protect users against thrown projectiles, melee attacks, and non-lethal weapons such as water cannons and rubber bullets. But with violence growing in many parts of the world, many people are starting to ask: are riot shields legal for members of the public, or is their use restricted to the police, the military and security personnel? 

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In the USA, UK, Australia and Canada, ordering and owning  riot shields are legal and can be shipped without hassle to your door. At The Survival Island, we offer safe and legal riot shield supply to the USA, UK, AU & Canada. You can browse the full riot shield range here.

In this article, we explain the legalities of riot shields in more detail for each of those nations.

 

Are riot shields legal in the US?

Wondering about the rules and regulations surrounding riot shields in the USA? Here’s everything you need to know:

Can I buy and use a riot shield in the US?

In the USA, it is legal at the federal level for members of the public to purchase and own riot shields for self-defence and home protection – and the same applies to ballistic shields that provide some protection against gunfire. Usually, you need to be aged 18 years or older and have never been convicted of a crime in order to purchase and wear body armour, which includes shields. However, it’s worth noting that laws can vary by state and even by city. 

When is it illegal to use a riot shield in the US?

Using a shield as an offensive weapon, to impersonate a law enforcement officer, or threaten, intimidate or coerce others is illegal. It’s also against the law to carry a riot shield during an unlawful assembly, particularly if it could be seen to escalate tensions.

Which US states impose restrictions on the use of riot shields?

Some cities and states in the US impose additional restrictions on riot shields that are not regulated at the federal level. For example, in Topeka, Kansas, it’s illegal to carry and wear body armour and shields at protests, rallies, parades and other public gatherings. In New York, only those working in an eligible profession may buy and own armour.

 

Are riot shields legal in Canada?

Here’s everything you need to know about the legal status of riot shields in Canada:

Can I buy and use a riot shield in Canada?

In Canada, it is generally legal to purchase and own a riot shield, though some states impose restrictions on ballistic shields. You can legally use standard riot shields for self-defence or if instructed to do so by law enforcement. You can also use riot shields in certain situations when working for a private security firm as a bouncer or guard, such as for crowd control in the event of a riot. Some sports, such as paintball and airsoft, may permit the use of riot shields.

When is it illegal to use a riot shield in Canada?

While riot shields are legal in Canada, it’s worth noting that using one for criminal activities, unlawful aggression, intimidation or threats, or at prohibited gatherings is illegal. 

Are ballistic shields legal in Canada?

Ballistic shields that offer some protection against gunfire are legal in most states in Canada. Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Nova Scotia currently impose a few restrictions on who can buy, own and use ballistic shields. 

In Nova Scotia, you can usually buy a ballistic shield provided you have a firearms licence (PAL). You’ll need to obtain a permit to purchase one in Manitoba and submit your fingerprints during the application process. In British Columbia and Alberta, you’ll usually need a military ID, security licence, law enforcement credentials or a valid firearms licence along with proof that you require body armour in order to purchase a ballistic shield.

 

Are riot shields legal in Australia?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the laws surrounding riot shields in Australia:

Can I buy and use a riot shield in Australia?

In Australia, there are no specific laws, rules or regulations that prohibit the use of riot shields or ballistic shields for self-defence and home protection. Standard riot shields are commonly used during Gelsoft and Airsoft competitions, though some fields and arenas impose certain restrictions in the interests of fair play. For example, some fields still count a hit if your shield is shot.

When is it illegal to use a riot shield in Australia?

Similar to the USA and Canada, in Australia it is illegal to use a riot shield as an offensive weapon or to impersonate a law enforcement officer. Shields may also be banned at certain events and in restricted areas. Participating in a riot with a shield is also illegal, unless you’re instructed to do so.

 

Are riot shields legal in the UK?

Here’s everything you need to know about the regulations surrounding the civilian use of riot shields in the UK:

Can I buy and use a riot shield in the UK?

Under the Firearms Act 1968 and the Offensive Weapons Act 1996, owning and using a riot shield or a ballistic shield for self-defence and home protection is legal in the UK. While there are no specific legal restrictions on civilians purchasing riot shields, it should be noted that shields cannot be used as an offensive weapon. Many law enforcement officers have faced legal consequences for using riot shields as weapons during unlawful public assemblies.

When is it illegal to use a riot shield in the UK?

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Riot shields can only be used in the UK for defensive purposes. Even though there are currently no restrictions on purchasing riot shields, you should be aware that their use in the UK remains controversial. For example, British forces have found themselves embroiled in controversy for using shields as weapons. Also, many UK citizens believe riot shields encourage people to throw projectiles.

 

Want to Bolster Your Home Protection with a Riot Shield?

In the USA, Canada, Australia and the UK, it is usually legal to purchase, own and use either a riot shield or a ballistic shield for self-defence and home protection. Provided you don’t use your shield as an offensive weapon or for intimidation, you shouldn’t have any brush ins with the law. We have been shipping riot shields to Australia, UK, USA & Canada for over a decade without any problems, so you know you can purchase from us with peace of mind that it will arrive without a hitchh. We take care of all the import documentation import tax and clearance. If you still have concerns and need answers before pressing ahead with your purchase, don’t hesitate to call us.

At The Survival Island, we’re a team of survival and wilderness experts that are dedicated to helping our customers expand their limits in the fields of personal independence and survival. Contact us today to find out about the features of our riot shields and in which situations they can help you maximise your security.

Protection device

U.S. Federal Protective Service policeman with a riot shield

A riot shield is a lightweight protection device, typically deployed by police and some military organizations, though also utilized by protestors. Riot shields are typically long enough to cover an average-sized person from the top of the head to the knees, though smaller one-handed models may also be used. They are generally intended to be used in riot control, to protect the user from melee attacks with blunt or edged weapons and also thrown projectiles, or non-lethal weapons such as rubber bullets and water cannons. They can also be used as short-ranged melee weapons to push back the opposing force. Most riot shields do not offer ballistic protection; ballistic shields are instead used in situations where heavily armed resistance is expected.

Riot shields are used in almost every country with a standardized police force and are produced by many companies. Law enforcement often use them in conjunction with a baton. Riot shields made for law enforcement are typically constructed from transparent polycarbonate to enable the bearer to see incoming thrown objects. Riot shields used by protesters are often constructed from improvised materials, such as wood, scrap metal or plastic barrels. While riot shields are shown to be effective in protecting the bearers and preventing protesters from breaking through police lines, their use may actually encourage people to throw objects.[1]

History

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Officers of the Metropolitan Police carrying round riot shields during the 2011 England riots

The Police Federation of England and Wales began lobbying for the introduction of riot shields following the 1976 Notting Hill Carnival riot, during which many officers were injured with thrown stones, bricks and bottles. At the time riot shields were already common in Northern Ireland and mainland Europe;[2] British forces deployed them during the Cyprus Emergency in the 1950s,[3][4][5] French police used them during the May 1968 riots,[6][7] and British forces had been using them in Northern Ireland since at least 1969.[8] Riot shields were first used in England during the 1977 Battle of Lewisham.[9][10] While the Metropolitan Police Service designed them to be a passive and defensive item only, New Scientist reported "the production of the shields [at Lewisham] was part of what can only be described as an extremely aggressive operation". Many protesters were deliberately struck with the shields. A police spokesperson stated that a police officer who feels threatened would strike with whatever he had in his hands, adding "I don't see how you can stop him using the riot shield to hit a person".[2]

During riots in the Republic of Ireland in the 1960s and 70s, the lack of riot shields was noted. Army personnel responding to a protest at Curragh chose to use bayonets for crowd control when riot shields were available. When a riot in Lifford resulted in nine injuries to the Garda Síochána, it was reported that riot shields had not been available. Forty-four army personnel turned up to a riot in Monaghan with only five riot shields between them. In response to the shortage, 200 riot shields were manufactured in Dublin in 1972.[11]

Design and types

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Anti-war protesters in Washington, D.C., with improvised riot shields

Riot shields are typically made out of transparent polycarbonate between 4–6 millimetres (0.16–0.24 in) in thickness. Shields are designed to be shatter resistant, though are typically not ballistic resistant.[12] Some shields used to counter rioters offer a form of ballistic protection against lower velocity ammunition fired from handguns or shotguns. However, ballistic shields are instead used in situations where heavily armed resistance is expected.[13]

Shields are typically either round or rectangular in shape, with lengths between 36–48 inches (91–122 cm) and varying widths. Most riot shields, when utilised properly, will protect the user from the top of the head to the knees.[12] Shields will typically be slightly cylindrical and have handles made out of either metal or reinforced plastic affixed to them with either glue or grommets.[12] Handles will be designed so that the shield-bearer can hold onto them with a fist, and the shield will often feature additional protection at the point where the forearm rests against it, as well as Velcro-strapping to keep the forearm in place.[12] A shield may have a storage compartment for a baton or non-lethal weapon, and some may be designed to be interlocking with a shield on either side, so as to form a more effective shield wall. The type of shield used will vary, depending on both the situation and objective of a mission and also department budgets.[12]

Concave shields have been designed for pinning down and hand-cuffing rioters or prisoners,[14] and electric shields designed to deliver a non-lethal electric shock to the person the shield is in contact with also exist.[12][15] These shields, which began being manufactured in the 1980s, feature metal strips on the outside of the polycarbonate. A shock is delivered through the strips via a button on the side held by the bearer. Electric shields have caused several deaths.[16] In 2011, Raytheon filed a patent for an acoustic riot shield that emits "a low-frequency sound which resonates with the respiratory tract, making it hard to breathe".[17]

Protesters may also deploy their own improvised riot shields, made from material such as wood, particle board or scrap metal.[18][19][20][21]

Use and effectiveness

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Police in the United States utilizing round riot shields with batons

Whether riot shields are used will depend on the commanding officer's choice of force in combating protesters. It is recommended that security forces equipped with riot shields also utilise non-lethal weapons, overwatch, and reserve forces. The riot shield is designed primarily as a defensive weapon, though it can be used in an offensive manner when in direct contact with protesters. They are designed to be affixed to the non-dominant arm and held at a slightly inward angle to deflect thrown objects into the ground.[12] When protesters come in direct contact with riot shields they will typically try and take hold of them. If protesters attempt to grab the top of a shield, security forces are instructed to strike at them with their free hand. If protesters attempt to grab the bottom of a shield, they are instructed to drop to one-knee and ram the shield into the ground with force, thereby pinning the protester's fingers or hands. Riot shields are frequently used in combination with batons.[12]

Riot shields have been shown to be an effective way of driving back protesters and preventing them from pushing through police lines. A National Union of Mineworkers official stated that while it had been very difficult to break through police lines in the 1972 UK miners' strike when police had no shields and were relying heavily on the wedge formation, it had become outright impossible by the 1984 strike as by then the police had abandoned the wedge and instead adopted the riot shield and baton combination. The official concluded that unarmed protesters stand no chance against police with riot shields.[1] The riot shield and baton combination is considered strong enough to handle all but the most extreme riots. If this combination is not deemed sufficient police may escalate to using additional methods such as water cannons, CS gas and rubber bullets.[1]

Riot shields may be used in conjunction with non-lethal weapons such as CS gas in a method known as the "Tap-down technique". In this method, an officer with a projectile weapon will approach a shield-bearer from behind and tap on their shoulder. In response, the shield-bearer will drop to one knee while keeping the riot shield affixed in front. The officer with the projectile weapon will lean into the shield-bearer's back with their knee, extend the barrel of their weapon over the shield and fire. This method allows maximum protection to both the firer and the shield-bearer.[12] "Extraction teams" also use shields to their advantage. An extraction team is generally made up of reserve forces, and serves to extract personnel in danger or capture individual protesters. The team can be deployed from any point behind a shield wall. On instruction two officers on the front line will take a step back and to the left and right respectively, allowing a temporary gap from which several officers will depart; the gap will be closed after the last officer has gone through. A target will be identified, and it will be the pre-assigned goal of one officer to control the target and another to cuff them. Additional officers will provide cover. Once the protester has been restrained the shield wall will temporarily open to allow the protester to be dragged through. It is recommended that extraction teams venture no further than 10 meters from the shield wall.[12]

While riot shields offer an effective form of protection in themselves, their use may encourage people to throw objects at the bearers.[1] A chief superintendent in the UK stated that while protesters were generally reluctant to assault police, that reluctance seemed to disappear if officers had riot shields. It has been observed that protesters may not throw objects until the police bring in shields, and some people will deliberately throw objects at the shields themselves, indicating that they do not actually want to injure the police.[1]

References

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For more information, please visit ALUMINUM ANTI-RIOT SHIELD.