Ballistic shields, which are handheld shields used by police in situations where gunfire might occur, are now available at every school in the county thanks to a donation from the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office.

The shields were purchased using grant money that Sheriff Travis Allen requested from the state of N.C. to purchase equipment for the sheriff’s office.

The shield are bullet-resistant, unlike riot gear shields, and are designed to be handheld by an individual officer when responding to incidents involving suspects who may have a firearm that poses a danger to the officer or the public. Ballistic shields are slightly smaller than riot shields but offer far more protection, possibly saving an officer’s life and allowing them valuable time to address the threat, which will in turn save more lives.

In addition, Allen has purchased enough shields that every patrol and civil deputy in the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office will receive one. A number of these shields will also be placed at various locations within the courthouse for use by bailiffs should the need arise.

The bailiffs have already received training in the use of these shields and the other divisions are currently receiving the training. In addition, on Oct. 2, school resource officers with the sheriff’s office participated in the training of the use of the shields at Southeast Middle School.

“You can never go wrong by spending funds on equipment that may potentially save someone’s life,” Allen said. “I am committed to providing my deputies with the best equipment possible to enable them to perform their duties more effectively and efficiently. I am appreciative to the state for granting these funds that enabled us to provide these for all our deputies and each of our schools.”