A modern shield used by police and military forces. They are generally constructed of clear polycarbonate, but can also be made up of a light-metal with a viewing slit. It is designed to protect an average sized man from the head to the knees. Generally used to aid riot control, to protect the user from shrapnel, thrown objects, and molotov cocktails. There are also ballistic shield variants designed to protect the user from light small-arms fire, such as pistols and other low-powered weapons, but not always.
Riot shields can either come in two main variants, one that is one-handed that affords less protection but allows the user to use the other arm, generally to wield a baton. It has two handles, the left-most of which is held on to while the other keeps the arm in place. And another that requires both arms and provides full protection.