Riot protection helmet

A riot protection helmet or riot helmet is a type of helmet designed for law enforcement and military use to protect the wearer's head, face and eyes from handheld melee weapons, and thrown projectiles such as bricks, as may be met in riot control.

Many modern riot squad helmets are reinforced with materials that will protect the wearer from dangerous substances such as acids or industrial chemicals.

There have been rare cases of riot protection helmets being worn to protect against objects blown by tornadoes or fierce storms, for example in England in the 18 January 2007 gale.

[citation needed] The simplest form is a hard shell with reinforced padding, and a chinstrap and a hinge-up (usually polycarbonate) visor, as in this image.

British cash-in-transit officers can also be seen wearing these helmets along with a stab proof vest to prevent serious injury if under attack.