SEMINAR

This seminar, presented by Constantino Cipolla and Eric Lee - teammates and Ballistic Shield Instructors - will focus on the underuse and training deficiencies surrounding ballistic shields in law enforcement, particularly within patrol, investigative, and tactical team environments. This informative session draws on the real-world experience of two full-time SWAT operators, Cipolla and Lee, who have developed a structured, progressive training curriculum. Their courses include an introductory Ballistic Shield Operator - Level I and an advanced-level course, both of which incorporate live-fire training. The tactics, techniques, and methodologies taught in these courses directly align with CQB (Close Quarters Battle) practices widely adopted by law enforcement agencies. The presentation will also examine common pitfalls agencies encounter when selecting and purchasing ballistic shields that fail to meet operational requirements. Drawing from extensive instruction across Illinois, Cipolla and Lee will highlight how many agencies acquire shields that do not meet the needs of their officers or tactical teams. Furthermore, they will discuss how a lack of sufficient training - especially in live-fire environments - undermines shield effectiveness. The seminar will conclude with an overview of ballistic shield use in hostage rescue (HR) missions. The presenters will share insights from studies validated through both training and operational deployments, demonstrating that ballistic shields enhance mission safety without compromising speed or tactics. The seminar emphasizes that proper training and a solid foundation are essential for maximizing the effectiveness of ballistic shields in SWAT operations.