The use of shields in grassroots police work

The shield is one of the most classic defensive weapons, with a history spanning thousands of years. Its importance continues in modern military and police forces, contributing to a rich shield culture. For instance, police armbands often bear a shield shape, while police badges feature shield patterns, symbolizing the sacred duty of law enforcement to protect the public.

Today, there are various types of modern police shields. From a functional perspective, we can categorize them into heavy bulletproof shields and lightweight riot shields. In terms of shape, we have rectangular, square, round, and specially designed shields such as "cat shields" and "French shields."

Holding styles also vary, with options for two-handed and one-handed shields.

The different functions and shapes of shields correspond with specific applications in grassroots law enforcement, where riot shields are most frequently utilized. The most common material for these shields is polycarbonate (PC plastic), which is transparent for visibility, hard to resist slashes and impacts, and possesses some flame retardant properties. During the "Amendment Storm" in Hong Kong in 2019, the Speed Dragon Squad deployed PC plastic shields to manage violence and chaos.

In the context of the "smallest combat unit," the riot shield holds a pivotal role.

When confronted with knife-wielding assailants, the shield becomes an invaluable asset. It effectively absorbs impact, providing crucial protection to law enforcement personnel. When used skillfully, it can also deliver significant offensive capabilities, making it a vital tool for modern police. In this discussion, we will focus on two different types of shields.

The first type is the small shield, primarily designed for individual protection. The small round shield is the most common variant, but square shapes and arm shields also exist. The key advantage of a small riot shield is its light weight and convenience. It can easily accompany patrol officers and performs well in confined spaces. Typically paired with a short baton, this combination allows for both offensive and defensive maneuvers, utilizing techniques such as blocking and striking.

The small shield also serves an important function in the smallest combat unit. Officers wielding short batons can use it to enhance their safety while engaged in confrontations.

The second type is the large shield, used primarily for squad protection. Traditional rectangular shields and the recently popular French shields fall into this category. Large shields can be operated with one hand or two, although two-handed operation is recommended due to their weight. In team combat, large shields are situated at the core and front positions, serving dual purposes. Firstly, they act as a barrier against opponent attacks, protecting the entire team. Secondly, they can be used in offensive techniques to counterattack, creating opportunities for teammates to engage effectively.

When utilizing a large shield, there are three crucial considerations. First, officers should keep their arms close to the body, allowing the shield to absorb the brunt of the impact, thus stabilizing them during attacks. Holding the shield away out of fear places undue pressure on the arms, making it easier for opponents to knock the shield aside.

This technique also facilitates more effective collision and counterattack maneuvers; keeping arms straight diminishes stability and restricts movement space, which hampers counteraction.

Second, officers should lean slightly forward, with feet positioned apart for greater stability, and use the shield to protect vital areas of the head and face. This posture aids in maintaining balance against incoming attacks.

Finally, frequent practice of techniques (partner practice) is essential to acclimatize to the sensations of being attacked. This helps reduce psychological pressure during confrontations while also testing the reliability of the ballistic shields.