Professional Tips for Law Enforcement Using Ballistic Shields

Do’s and Don’ts for Tactical Operations

DO’s

✔ Maintain proper stance and body alignment

• Keep the shield centered and close to the body.

• Use a strong, slightly staggered stance for balance and recoil management.

• Bend knees slightly to improve mobility and reduce fatigue.

✔ Use the shield as mobile cover, not a static wall

• Move deliberately but continuously.

• Advance in controlled steps; pause only when necessary.

• Use the shield to create safe angles for teammates to move.

✔ Keep the shield’s viewing port clean and clear

• Wipe before operations and carry a microfiber cloth.

• Check for glare issues from indoor lighting or headlights.

✔ Communicate constantly with your team

• Call out movement, threats, or changes in position.

• Coordinate with the breacher, cover officer, and rear security.

• Ensure everyone knows whether you’re stopping, advancing, or pulling back.

✔ Train weapon positioning with your shield

• Practice one-handed pistol shooting and reloads behind cover.

• Train low-ready and high-ready positions with the shield.

• Know how to pie corners while maximizing shield coverage.

✔ Use the shield effectively during doorway and hallway work

• Angle the shield to protect from suspected threat locations.

• Present minimal body exposure when slicing the pie.

• Allow your team to stack closely behind and around you.

✔ Conduct regular endurance and fatigue training

• Shields get heavy during long ops — train for it.

• Strengthen shoulder, forearm, and core muscles.

DON’Ts

✘ Don’t overextend the shield away from your body

• Creates openings under and around the shield.

• Causes instability and rapid fatigue.

✘ Don’t advance without team coordination

• Shield operators should never move faster or slower than supporting officers.

• Avoid outrunning your cover officers.

✘ Don’t expose your weapon or hands outside the protective edge

• Keep hands, pistol, and fingers behind the shield’s contour.

• Avoid flagging your own body when shooting one-handed.

✘ Don’t block your team’s field of fire

• Be aware of muzzle positions behind you.

• Slightly cant the shield when needed to open lanes.

✘ Don’t stand square in fatal funnels

• Doors and hallways require angles — not straight-on positioning.

• Avoid becoming a stationary target.

✘ Don’t assume the shield is invincible

• Even rifle-rated shields can only take so much.

• Never use it as a reason to ignore tactics, angles, or cover.

✘ Don’t ignore weight management and fatigue

• Overexertion leads to slower reaction time and poor decision-making.

• Rotate shield duties when possible during long calls.