Do cops wear riot gear all the time

1. Do cops wear riot gear all the time or is it only during riots?

2. Do cops wear riot gear all the time or is it only during riots? • The US Department of Justice issued guidelines on the use of lethal force during riots in which it was written that officers should wear protective gear when there are “sufficiently serious threats” to their person. Rioters are normally capable of inflicting blunt trauma to the head, feet, or torso. • These days riot squad cases are usually ambulances. Ambulant protection starts with a bullet-proof vest — usually worn under other clothing — and may also include a helmet, gas mask, and filter (NBC News). • 2 out of 3 police officers say they have never worn riot gear on duty • One of the most common questions for police officers is, “Do you wear your riot gear all the time or only during riots?” • An officer of the law recently reached out to OSAP to set the record straight. OSAP conducted a mini-survey among members to learn more about their policies on policing in riot gear. OSAP found, in total, 66% of respondents had never worn riot gear in the line “of duty” and 88% had not in the last year.

3. What is riot gear used for? • There is much speculation about where the helmets and specialized clothing come from and how much such equipment costs. • While it is true that some departments are mandated to purchase this gear, it is not true that police riot gear departments all over the country have riot gear for officers to wear. • It’s also important to remember that in many departments, such as the LAPD, many of the officers have their own personal shields that they wear while on duty. • “Our primary mission is to protect and serve,” said an LAPD officer who wished to remain anonymous. “But sometimes we are asked to perform functions that are more paramilitary.” • In some instances, officers are asked to perform “Riot Guard” duty. • “Riot Guard” duty is when an officer is called in to help secure a crime scene or in an event that requires the protection of the public.

4. Do riot police wear cups? • “The problem is, when you call the police to perform riot guard duty, it is like calling the cavalry,” said an officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. “They do not know what they are going to encounter.” • “When the police are called to protect the public, they are not always prepared to protect the public,” said LAPD Lt. Terrence Hahn. “There is a difference between riot gear and a tactical uniform. • “Tactical uniforms are for a quick response to a riot or to a hostage situation,” said Lt. Hahn. “Riot gear is for when there is a large, volatile crowd that is uncontrollable.” • “Tactical uniforms are very easy to find,” said LAPD Officer Scott Ramon. “Riot gear is not as easy to find.” • Police uniforms

5. What is riot gear used for? • “There is a lot of confusion about riot gear,” said Sgt. Ryan Pate of the Omaha Police Department. “What you see is not always what you get. • “Some officers have their own uniforms that they use to respond to calls,” said Sgt. Pate. “They are not allowed to wear their uniforms in riot gear.” • Police agencies do have some basic equipment. • “The most basic riot gear is a Kevlar helmet,” said Sgt. Pate. “The helmet is for protection.” • “It’s very important to have an adequate amount of helmets for officers,” said Sgt. Pate. “A good rule of thumb is one helmet per officer per year.”