Made in America for America
In today’s world, School Resource Officers (SROs) are more than just a presence on school grounds and campuses, they’re the first line of defense in protecting students, teachers, and staff. With school safety becoming a national priority, having the right gear on hand can make all the difference during critical moments.
At RTS Tactical, we've worked with departments across the country to provide lifesaving ballistic protection that blends seamlessly into an educational environment, without instilling fear or disrupting the daily life of students, teachers, and staff members. Every product featured below is proudly manufactured in the USA, using advanced materials and NIJ-certified ballistic armor, so SROs and educators alike can trust the quality of their gear.
Here’s a breakdown of the key ballistic protection tools every School Resource Officer should consider.
1. RTS Tactical Ballistic Armor Whiteboard Panel (Level III+)
One of the most innovative (and discreet) tools available today is our RTS Tactical Ballistic Armor Whiteboard Panels that doubles as an everyday classroom tool, while providing NIJ Level III+ rifle-rated protection.
Rifles are the most commonly used firearm in school shootings. While many ballistic panels are only rated to stop handgun rounds, this whiteboard is specifically engineered to stop high-velocity rifle threats. In active shooter scenarios, immediate access to rifle-rated protection isn’t just a tactical advantage, it can be the difference between life and death.
What makes these panels exceptional is how they blend into the school environment. Many schools decorate them with artwork on both sides. To a child, it’s just part of the classroom, but in the event of an emergency, this panel becomes a lifesaving shield that can be moved into position in seconds by any teacher or School Resource Officer.
Why it works in schools: The RTS Tactical Level III+ Ballistic Whiteboard blends seamlessly into classrooms, offering multi-functional protection with zero intimidation. Students see a whiteboard, not a shield. Both teachers and SROs can use this whiteboard for fast and effective defense.
In Action: The RTS Tactical Ballistic Armor Whiteboard Panels
“...As you can see, we camouflage them as decorative message boards when possible so as not to stand out too much as safety equipment. Teachers have advertised special events, testing dates, birthdays, and several other events and holidays on the boards.”
- Dexter N., B.A.| Chief Officer of Safety & Security for Epic Charter Schools
2. RTS Tactical Ballistic Armor Glass Panel Divider (Level III)
The RTS Tactical Ballistic Glass Panel Divider is a subtle but powerful addition to school entry points, front offices, and administrative areas. These clear barriers maintain open visibility and a welcoming environment while offering substantial protection against ballistic threats.
They serve as a first line of defense during a lockdown or intruder situation, giving school personnel precious time to respond or retreat safely.
Why it works in schools: The RTS Tactical Ballistic Glass Panel Divider maintains a clean, professional look at entryways while providing protective coverage where it’s needed most.
In Action: The RTS Tactical Ballistic Armor Glass Panel Divider
“We are very proud that all of our schools have this in place as an added layer of protection. From what I understand, we are one of the very few districts that have one in all schools. We are very proud of that. The shield sits between our SRO and the front door. We didn't want to hide our SRO in an office. We want him visible to everyone who walks through the door, but we needed to protect him from someone shooting through the front doors. This allows him to be protected while visible in the main area of the school.”
- Kelly D. Johnson, Director of Schools for Clinton City Schools
3. RTS Tactical Rifle Special Threats Mini Shield (Level III+)
When every second matters, mobility is critical.
That’s where the RTS Tactical Special Threats Mini Shield comes in.
Compact, lightweight, and designed for rapid deployment, this shield is ideal for SROs to store near a desk, under a table, or at a secure station for quick access. Whether responding to a hallway threat or shielding a group of students, this small but powerful tool delivers rifle-rated protection in seconds.
While the Medium Mini Shield is the most commonly selected size, offering a perfect balance of coverage and maneuverability. The Mini Shield is available in three different sizes (12”x18” / 14”x24” / 16”x30”) to accommodate small, medium, or large frames, ensuring that every officer can move effectively with protection that moves with them, not against them.
Why it works in schools: The Mini Shield is easy to store, quick to deploy, and gives officers tactical rifle-rated protection at a moment's notice.
In Action: The RTS Tactical Rifle Special Threats Mini Shield
Blending Safety with Peace of Mind
The goal of this gear isn’t to create fear, it’s to provide peace of mind. SROs and school staff are already doing heroic work. Equipping them with the right tools allows them to do that job with even more confidence - because when their safety is secured, they can focus on what truly matters: teaching, supporting, and protecting the students in their care.
With innovative solutions like our ballistic panels and discreet mini shields, schools can prepare for the worst without sacrificing the warmth and normalcy kids need to thrive.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to school safety, preparation matters. The right gear, designed the right way, can turn ordinary classroom tools into extraordinary protection.
Explore our Ballistic Shields and Armor Panels and join departments across the country that are making protection a priority. Want to see how our gear performs in real-world scenarios? Check out our Department Testing Program to learn more and get started.