The design and tactical use of the shield, enhanced by the specific training (which is offered with the purchase of the 'Kent Shield'), precludes the need for a view port. This makes the shield lighter. As the shield weighs substantially less than current shields on the market, less than 10 pounds opposed to 16 pounds for the lightest competitor, it has the advantage of not tiring the operator quickly and is very adaptable when utilized in different tactical situations such as casualty evacuation in a hot zone, dynamic entry to save life, active shooters, hostage situations, domestic situations and routine patrol work where the officer approaches a potentially lethal situation. The shield is used in conjunction with the standard issued ballistic helmet.
Any frontline officer who has the potential to face armed criminals should have access to ballistic protection. Sadly this is not always the case; many officers only have personal body armor. Whilst UK policing differs greatly to policing in the United States with respect to the arming of its police officers, when it comes to ballistic protection for these frontline officers, needs are aligned.
Having introduced the 'Kent Shield' to
frontline, patrol and SWAT officers here in the USA, I have received an
overwhelmingly positive response to its design, weight, protection level
and adaptability. Some agencies have already purchased, or are in the
process of purchasing, this shield.
Most, if not all shields on the market require a two handed method of
control. If the operator chooses to use a single hand they can utilize a
handgun to protect themselves further. The 'Kent Shield' is designed to
allow the operator to use both hands with a long arm (in Kent's case the
H & K G36C) and provides a stable shooting platform for use with a
handgun. The unique design has a weapon rest incorporated into the
shield, which is ambidextrous so that left or right handed operators can
use the same shield quickly and without any need to change handle
positions.
To use a handgun with most shields the operator bends their arm around
in front of the shield and cants the weapon over to allow the operator
to view the weapon through the viewport. This is a skill that requires
many hours of training to achieve better accuracy. With the 'Kent
Shield' the operator uses the weapon rest to steady their shooting
position and this improves their accuracy. When using a long arm (rifle)
the operator can choose either to use the weapon rest and control the
shield with one hand or (my personal preference) can use the exclusive
handle design to push their arm through the handles and use the long arm
as they would normally, shoulder mounted with both hands on the weapon.
The price of the shield is less than those currently available on the
market. Prices may vary depending on the numbers purchased. The Homeland
Security - First Responder Grants may be a source of financial support
when considering the purchase of ballistic protection.
The shield has rifle cuts on the same side to enable both left and right
handed use. Ambidextrous handles satisfy this task.
Features
- NIJ Level
IIIA, Multi-Hit Capability
- Ambidextrous
- Ambidextrous
Cushioned Arm Pad / Grip
- Reversible Velcro POLICE Label
- 22.5" x 32"
-
Ultra-Lightweight
- Curved Shape For
Greater Rigidity & Protection.
- 10 lbs.
- 5 Year Warranty
- Made In The UK
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