Issue link: http://lawandordermag.epubxp.com/i/98779
FOCUS Patriot3 Flex Shield and Flex Field somewhat awkward, but something that could be done more effciently with practice. Stances with the Flex Shield One of the Shield���s plusses for the shield is that it can be used as ballistic hardener to parts of a patrol car such as the door. in place with stakes or perhaps by using one of the stiffening rods as a stake for one side. In regard to ballistic protection, the Flex Shield is designed to cover the shield operator���s center body mass. To observe or shoot at his opponent, part of the shield operator���s face and one or both of his eyes will be exposed. The Emerald Shield trainers were concerned that in the shield���s present construction, if the front was struck by one or more bullets in the area directly over the shield operator���s forearm, the shot would still cause a lot of pain. They thought it would be benefcial if, in the interior area where the shield is in contact with the operator���s forearm, it was beefed up with something like foam material or aramid padding. Beefng up the forearm area might reduce the pain or tentative injury from impacting bullets; however, as it is, the Flex Shield does offer more protection than ballistic body armor and is easy to carry. Patriot3 responded to the padding concern by saying if the padding were made thicker, it would become more diffcult to roll up the system. The main purpose of the shield is to have something the offcer can use to respond quickly to active shooter situations. While the padding may not be as thick as a rigid entry shield, it will still save a life, which counters the shield operator receiving a forearm injury. Shields are made to save lives just like a vest, even though there could still be bodily damage in some way if hit in the wrong spot. Since the Flex Shield is fexible, the lip of the shield cannot be used to tap and rack a handgun. An alternative tap / racking technique would have to be used, such as using the shield operator���s holster. In addition, transitioning immediately from one arm to the other by the shield operator was In a ���shoulder shield��� stance modifed for Flex Shield, the shield is held at the shoulder on the support side of the offcer���s body using the shield���s hand and forearm system. The shield should be straight up and down, or at a slight cant to facilitate the shield operator���s feld of view. The operator should be able to turn his / her body as needed to look over the handgun side or lip of the shield. This position provides some protection to the support side of the body, and allows the operator of the shield to scan left, right and down range for threats. At shoulder shield, the handgun is unholstered and brought to a ready gun position. Basically, this is a modifcation of Shoulder Shield originally taught by Lieutenant (NYPD, ESU retired) Al Baker and others for bunker shield commands. Using a Shoulder Shield stance, the shield operator can move to Combat Shield and is ready for any potential shooting engagement with bad guys. In the ���combat shield��� stance, the Flex Shield can be used in making limited penetrations, where the shield covers about �� of the shield operator���s face. In making limited penetrations, the combat shield stance is again a modifcation of the traditional stance originally taught by Al Baker and others for use with ballistic (bunker) shields with ports (windows), something the Flex Shield does not have. In this primary fghting position, the operator is behind the shield and the weapon-bearing hand is out in front, as are portions of the operator���s head and eyes, observing and engaging any threats by looking from that side of the shield. The handgun bearing hand is up at the shield operator���s eye level. Like a battle tank, the shield operator can rotate with his shield in place, viewing the threat. The shield is held straight up and down, although there can be a cant or slant to it when the threat calls for The Flex Field is built with numerous handles on each side for quick and easy pickup and carry. When the shield is opened, these handles face the shield operators. In worst case scenarios, it can be used as a litter for carrying the wounded or injured. 28 LAW and ORDER I December 2012