How to Make Protective Riot Gear

Thứ bảy - 27/04/2024 01:13
Though responsible civil disobedience is a cornerstone of democracy, unfortunately, even the most peaceful, well-intentioned protests can turn violent. With police batons, tear gas, tasers, and even fellow rioters posing potential dangers,...
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Though responsible civil disobedience is a cornerstone of democracy, unfortunately, even the most peaceful, well-intentioned protests can turn violent. With police batons, tear gas, tasers, and even fellow rioters posing potential dangers, it's better to be safe than sorry. Don't risk getting caught in the midst of a violent fray between protesters and police forces — instead, come prepared with your own protective riot gear.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Protecting Against Physical Injury

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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Protecting Against Chemical Attacks

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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Using Advanced Strategies

  1. Step 1 Make a shield.
    For protection beyond what you can get from sturdy clothes and makeshift armor, consider building a shield. Depending on the size, thickness, and material of your shield, it may potentially provide protection for you and others against rubber bullets, rocks, and batons (especially if used in conjunction with others' shields). Ideally, a shield should be as hard and sturdy as possible, have a U or V shape facing towards your person, and have a padded arm strap and grip handle set at a 65 degree angle to make blocking projectiles and strikes as well as supporting the shield easier. Additionally, a second handle on the middle of the shield can be added for an extra sturdy grip. This is most effective for deflecting blows from melee weapons. As a better form of deflecting projectiles, you can use a handle parallel with the ground. This handle design is used in heavier ballistic shields that are employed by the police. You also may want to add a way to see through the shield, but be cautious, as an empty hole in the shield large enough for even rubber bullets is dangerous. Try a metal mesh reinforced with lexan or plexiglass behind it. The shield should not be so large or heavy that it makes it hard to move.
    • Get creative with the "canvas" that a broad, flat shield offers you. Some protestors involved in the 2014 unrest in Ferguson, Missouri were able to use their plywood shields as protest signs by painting the fronts of the shields with messages and slogans.
    • Be resourceful and look for things around you that can be effective shields. Protesters involved in the 2014 anti-government riots in the Ukraine improvised heavy-duty shields made from materials like sheet metal and old iron doors.[6]
    • Note that lexan is expensive and you may want to opt for less expensive materials.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Knowing What to Avoid

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Warnings

  • Wearing a backpack is a double-edged sword, as it allows you to carry more gear (and shields your back) but also makes you easier to grab from behind.
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  • Keep in mind that most less than lethal rounds can still cause a great deal of pain even with some form of protection.
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  • If using a football helmet, remove or cover the cage as it gives rioters a very dangerous handle
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  • Try to stick to "safe" protests. Avoid protests that you know will turn violent — you risk injury and jail time if you attend.
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  • You should not attempt to join a riot. If you do, you could be arrested, or you may be hurt during the riot. It's much safer to leave the area if a protest turns into a riot.
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