"A warrior carries a shield for the sake of the entire line"

MTS? Multi-Threat Shield A Practical Life-saving Tool for Law Enforcement | By Howard Mallen Force Training Institute

 The MTS? Multi-Threat Shield is a patent pending, uniquely designed ballistic protective shield. It received the top-rated “Excellent” score from the National Tactical Officers Association after being tested in real-world situations through its Member Tested and Recommended Program. There are no other ballistic shields on the market that offers all the following features in a single product: 1) compact seamless folding design; 2) lightweight; 3) discreet carry; 4) hands-free capability; 5) ambidextrous rapid single-handed deployment; 6) ability to protect against edged weapons, blunt objects and personal weapons (in addition to ballistic protection); 7) freedom of movement while staying covered in sprinting, standing, crouching, or crawling positions; 8) coverage for the officer/agent or multiple people at different threat angles, including overhead; and 9) can be used to up-armor vehicle windshield or windows. 

At The Ready | Any tool meant to keep officers safe is of no value if it is not immediately accessible when needed. While traditional ballistic shields are excellent tools for planned tactical entries/operations, their size and weight make them impractical for everyday use and emergent high-risk situations. The MTS is designed to address the need for practical, everyday use. In the closed position, the MTS is extremely compact (12” x 17.5” x 1.75”), enabling it to be easily kept in multiple locations for immediate access, such as within arm’s reach on the front seat of a vehicle, or underneath/next to an office desk. Weighing only 7 lbs. (10 lbs. with the Level III rifle plate), the MTS is portable for everyday carry, and can be held for extended periods of time without fatigue.  

Discreet | Carry For plainclothes assignments and detectives, officers can remain inconspicuous while carrying the protection of a three-foot long ballistic shield. Resembling a laptop briefcase, the MTS can be concealed in plain sight and carried covertly in any environment, including school grounds for SROs. It can be used to discreetly respond to unknown trouble, making it immediately available should circumstances escalate. In addition, the large loop field inside the shield can accommodate an agency patch (e.g., “POLICE”) to provide immediate identification to subjects, as well as responding officers from other agencies (to help mitigate “blue-on-blue” shootings). 

High Risk Vehicle Stops / Dynamic Vehicle Interdiction High risk vehicle stops and vehicle interdictions are among the most dangerous activities for law enforcement. The MTS can be quickly deployed while an officer exits his/her vehicle, providing immediate and significant cover prior to approaching a subject’s vehicle. The MTS can also be used to up-armor the vehicle windshield or windows, including being hung over the opened vehicle door frame to provide additional cover. If needed, the shield can also be held in the open position while the officer is seated inside his/her vehicle. 

Active Shooter Response The MTS can be easily kept inside an SRO’s office or the front seat of a police vehicle, and immediately accessed and deployed should such an active shooter event occur, providing lifesaving cover. Understanding the typical multi-agency response to an active shooter incident, the shield’s agency ID patch is of importance to identify plainclothes officers to other law enforcement officers/agents. In addition, the shield’s large utility pocket is ideal for storing magazines, chem-lights, door stopper, med kit, and other equipment needed for an immediate life threatening response. 

Rescues | The MTS provides mobile cover in the event an injured officer or third party needs to be rescued from a “hot zone.” If needed, the lightweight design and included sling enables the officer to go hands-free to assist during the rescue, while still retaining the shield. While hands-free, the deployed shield can be draped across the officer’s back or front.  

Versatile | The MTS shield’s unique design provides several notable benefits: 1. Ambidextrous carry – can be held and deployed with either the left or right hand. 2. Rapid single-handed deployment. 3. One-piece folding design eliminates any gaps in ballistic coverage. 4. Flexible laminated Kevlar? panel enables coverage from multiple angles, including overhead, as well as freedom of movement while staying covered (e.g., sprinting, crouching, crawling, and ascending/descending stairwells). 5. The shield’s primary purpose is for ballistic protection, but the MTS can be used in both the closed and open position to defend against edged weapons, blunt objects, and punches/kicks. 6. Tactical sling and lightweight design enables the officer to go hands-free for defensive tactics/arrest and control, reloading, or weapon manipulations. 

Affordable | There is no shield on the market that directly competes with the MTS. However, shields of similar size and protection level can cost up 50% to 100% more (based on May 1, 2019 agency price list). 

Specifications

1. Rated NIJ Level IIIA in accordance with Modified/Abbreviated NIJ 0108.01. The shield does not fold or bend when shot. In addition to being tested by a NIJ approved laboratory, the shield has undergone numerous successful live range testing, including by the US Marshal Service SOG at their Tactical Operations Center (prior to their Protective Operations unit procuring the MTS).

2. Optional 16” x 9” ultra-lightweight rifle plate insert rated Level III in accordance with NIJSTD-0101.06. Rifle plate is inserted into top panel area of the shield, providing Level III protection for vital areas.

3. Blunt force protection includes a 11” x 17” Kydex insert and 11” x 17” closed cell foam shock pad.

4. Total ballistic coverage is 36.5” x 17.5” (i.e., 639 square inches).

5. Shield weight is only 7lbs. and 10 lbs. with rifle plate inserted.

6. Carrier (outer case) material is 1680 denier ballistic nylon.

7. Includes the Condor? Swiftlink Padded Bungee Sling, which allows offices to go handsfree while keeping the shield attached to the body. The sling’s foam padding enhances comfort for extended wear time. Bungee feature supports defensive techniques when shield is in the closed position. 2-sided quick release buckles enable the officer to quickly detach the shield from his/her body if needed.

8. Hook and loop ID panel on the front of the shield to accommodate a large agency identification patch.

9. Large covert-access pocket to store critical items such as a med kit, magazines, flashlight and/or TASER?. A loop-field is sewn into the inside of the pocket for hook-field type accessories (e.g., flashlight holder, holster, etc.). 

For more information, including agency pricing please contact: 

 Force Training Institute

Phone: (310) 909-7795 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.multithreatshield.com