The recent availability of the Baker BatShield^® is allowing patrol officers the ability to bring extensive ballistic protection, concealed within a non-descript gear bag, to the scene of a potentially dangerous encounter. A new patrol self-protective concept--"proximity protection"--is currently developing.

When a situation escalates towards potential use of deadly force, a zone of "proximity protection" can be instantly established behind the shield. The duty weapon is drawn while the Baker Batshield^® simultaneously springs open from its breakaway carrying case.

View video: "Handgun Approach to Threat"

The Baker Batshield^® is a portable, lightweight, hard composite "duty shield" that simply and instantly provides the user level IIIA ballistic protection from a modest-sized, easy to carry, shoulder-slung carrying case.

The officer and additional people positioned behind the shield are now instantly within the zone of safety. The officer is able to protect and move himself and others within this highly mobile zone of ballistic protection, while having the overwhelming tactical advantage of having their handgun or long-gun pointing and/or firing at the threat.

The "proximity protection" zone can be swiftly repositioned as the dynamic situation progresses while providing continuous and extremely effective protection while moving endangered or wounded citizens out of the line of fire.

During many common patrol encounters, the potential exists for violent assault. Patrol officers are now using Baker Batshield^® within the breakaway carry cases to ingeniously provide ballistic coverage to body regions unprotected by their concealable body armor.

One example is an officer approaching the common, potentially dangerous mission of knocking on the door of a domestic dispute carrying the Baker Batshield^® with the shoulder strap as low-profile but highly effective protection.

Prior to knocking on the door, the carry bag is positioned across the officer's front torso mid-section. The officer now has extensive ballistic coverage from the top of the concealable body armor all the way down to just above the knees.

By carrying the bag in this manner, the vital lower abdomen, groin and femur arteries are no longer vulnerable to deadly gunfire threats. The shield can still be instantly deployed, and the zone of "proximity protection" established when needed.

Safely positioned behind the shield, the user has excellent head protection from side threats, plus complete neck, arm, torso, groin and upper leg ballistic protection.

The user also has excellent visibility, mobility and an accurate two-handed shooting platform.

View video: "Live Fire Accuracy"

Historically, only trained tactical shield operators were afforded the luxury of having the extended bodily protection provided by ballistic shields. Patrol responders were left extremely vulnerable to gunfire wounds outside the areas protected by their concealable ballistic vests.

Fortunately, the Baker Batshield^® provides true "first responders" a greater level of ballistic protection previously enjoyed by SWAT operators.

Federal "Homeland Security" first responder grants have been successfully used to financially assist shield purchases by many departments. Availability varies, depending upon the policies and funding of each individual state.

Rick Armellino, Director/C.E.O
Baker BatShield^®