School Resource Officers (SROs) play one of the most important roles in public safety: protecting students, faculty, and staff in environments that should always feel safe. Beyond enforcing the law, SROs serve as mentors, educators, and trusted figures within the school community. To perform this diverse role effectively, they need tactical gear that balances protection, mobility, and readiness.
At RTS Tactical, we design gear with those needs in mind, ensuring SROs have the right tools to protect themselves and their schools in the moments that matter most.
The Unique Demands of SROs
Unlike patrol officers, SROs are stationed inside schools where response time to a critical incident is virtually zero. They need equipment that:
- Offers discreet protection during daily interactions with students.
- Provides rapid deployment capability in the event of an emergency.
- Balances comfort with coverage, since SROs spend long hours on foot.
- Supports active threat scenarios such as room clearing, lockdowns, or evacuations.
Tactical gear designed for traditional street patrol doesn’t always translate to the school environment. That’s why purpose-driven solutions are key.
Request a Free Test & Evaluation Today!
Everyday Protection: Concealable Body Armor
For many SROs, blending in is just as important as being protected. Students are more likely to build trust with officers who don’t appear intimidating. A concealable vest provides that balance.
- RTS Tactical Hero’s Concealable Vest: While designed for concealed wear under clothing, it’s versatile enough to be worn over clothing. Perfect for Police, Law Enforcement, Security, and Everyday Citizens facing danger. Its design balances stealth, durability, and all-day comfort.
- RTS Tactical Lightweight Concealable Vest: Designed for all-day wear under a uniform shirt, it offers NIJ-certified protection without the bulk of traditional armor. This allows SROs to stay protected without creating a visible barrier between themselves and the student body.
- RTS Tactical Body Armor Compression Shirt: While designed for concealed wear under clothing, it’s versatile enough to be worn over clothing. Perfect for Police, Law Enforcement, Security, and Everyday Citizens facing danger. Its design balances stealth, durability, and all-day comfort.
- RTS Tactical Athletic Vest Carrier: Merging performance-driven design while redefining concealed carry for law enforcement professionals. The Athletic Vest empowers officers to perform their duties without limitations.
Rapid Response: Tactical Outer Vests and Plate Carriers for Emergencies
In the rare but high-risk situation where an active threat emerges, speed matters. Having a vest staged in the office or vehicle ensures an SRO can upgrade protection in seconds.
- RTS Tactical Slim Tac Special Operations Vest: Lightweight, modular, and designed for mobility in hallways and classrooms. It allows SROs to add rifle-rated plates quickly while maintaining freedom of movement.
- RTS Tactical Uniform Vest Carrier: Ideal for schools that prefer a more uniformed presence, this vest balances approachability with ballistic protection.
- RTS Tactical RICO Special Operations Vest: The vest features a side-loading plate design to reduce weight and simplify armor upgrades. A 360° laser-cut MOLLE platform offers complete loadout customization, while overlapping soft armor panels and Cummerbund armor compatibility maximize coverage.
- RTS Tactical HST Quick Release Plate Carrier: Born from the need to provide first responders and tactical operators with gear that guarantees their safety and comfort in high-pressure situations. This plate carrier was designed to answer the call for superior protection and usability.
- RTS Tactical OPSEC Advanced Quick Release Plate Carrier: Conceived because we understand the immense responsibilities and risks they face. We designed this plate carrier to be the guardian of those who stand up for what’s right, offering elite military operators, SWAT teams, and entry units a tactical advantage like no other.
Shielding Students and Staff
Sometimes an SRO must go beyond self-protection to shield others.
Whether moving toward a threat or evacuating students, ballistic shields and panels create a barrier that buys time and saves lives.
- RTS Tactical Level III+ Mini Shield
- RTS Tactical Legion Shield
- RTS Tactical Ballistic Armor Whiteboard Panel
- RTS Tactical Ballistic Armor Glass Panel Divider
- RTS Tactical Ballistic Armor Solid Panel Divider
Medical Preparedness: IFAKs in Every Hallway
SROs are often first on scene in medical emergencies, whether it’s an accident in gym class or a more serious incident. Carrying an Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) ensures they can treat injuries immediately.
- RTS Tactical Rapid Deploy IFAK: Combat-Ready IFAK delivers with speed and precision. With instant one-hand deployment, accessing components becomes second nature, enabling unwavering situational access in the field.
- RTS Tactical IFAK Mini Quick Release: Compact enough for belt or vest carry, this kit keeps tourniquets, bandages, and trauma essentials within arm’s reach.
- RTS Tactical IFAK Complete Quick Release: A more robust option for officers who want a comprehensive medical kit in one pouch.
Supporting the Mission of School Safety
The mission of every SRO is clear: keep students safe while fostering a secure, welcoming learning environment. RTS Tactical gear is designed to support that mission without compromise. From discreet armor for everyday presence to shields and medical kits for critical moments, the right equipment ensures SROs are always prepared to protect the communities that depend on them.
Takeaway for Departments: Outfitting School Resource Officers with specialized tactical gear is not just an investment in officer safety, it’s an investment in the safety, confidence, and peace of mind of every student, teacher, and parent.
Ready to equip your School Resource Officers with life-saving protection?
Request a Free Test & Evaluation today and see why departments nationwide trust RTS Tactical to keep their officers and schools safe.