North America Riot Control Equipment Market

North America Riot Control Equipment Market Size and Share:

The North America riot control equipment market size was valued at USD 4.05 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 5.87 Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.28% from 2025-2033.  United States dominates the market, holding 87.7% of the market share in 2024. The market is witnessing steady growth, driven by rising social unrest and the increasing need for non-lethal crowd control solutions. Law enforcement and military agencies are adopting advanced technologies such as rubber bullets, tear gas, and sound cannons for effective crowd management. The market is expanding due to growing investments in public safety and compliance with human rights standards, contributing to the increasing North America riot control equipment market share.

One of the primary drivers of the North American riot control equipment market is the increasing frequency of civil unrest and protests across the region. With political, social, and economic tensions rising, law enforcement agencies are investing in advanced riot control technologies, such as non-lethal weapons, armored vehicles, and crowd control barriers, to maintain public order. For instance, in September 2024, the University of California board sanctioned the addition of non-lethal weapons for the UCLA police following significant protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, which resulted in injuries and arrests. Although students expressed concerns about these measures, officials stated that the goal was to offer alternatives to lethal force, contingent on adherence to state regulations regarding military equipment. These investments are driven by the need for effective and safe crowd management solutions to ensure security during large-scale gatherings.

Another significant driver is the growing demand for more sophisticated and less harmful riot control equipment. As public scrutiny over the use of force grows, there is a shift towards non-lethal methods that minimize injury risk while still ensuring control over crowds. This has led to the development of advanced technologies like rubber bullets, tear gas, and sound cannons. Law enforcement agencies across North America are increasingly adopting these less aggressive solutions, driving market growth in riot control equipment.

North America Riot Control Equipment Market Trends:

Increasing Political and Social Unrest

Rising political and social unrest in North America, marked by frequent protests and demonstrations, has heightened the need for efficient crowd management solutions. For instance, thousands protested across the US on April 20, 2025, against President Trump's actions, particularly regarding the deportation of Kilmar Ábrego García. Coinciding with the American Revolutionary War's 250th anniversary, demonstrations included calls for government change and were largely peaceful, despite some confrontations. Trump's approval ratings continue to decline. Law enforcement agencies are turning to advanced riot control equipment, such as non-lethal weapons and crowd dispersal tools, to maintain public order and ensure safety without causing harm. This trend is expected to continue, with the North America riot control equipment market forecast predicting sustained growth as security agencies seek better technologies to handle escalating civil unrest.

Advancements in Non-Lethal Technology

With an increasing emphasis on minimizing harm during crowd control, law enforcement agencies are increasingly adopting non-lethal weapons such as tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades. For instance, in October 2024, NAPC Defense announced its partnership with Lamperd Less Lethal to distribute a comprehensive range of less-lethal security products in the US and internationally. This agreement expands NAPC’s portfolio, aimed at enhancing law enforcement capabilities while minimizing harm during public order incidents. These technologies enable authorities to manage public unrest effectively while reducing the risk of fatalities or serious injuries. As public safety concerns evolve, the North America riot control equipment market outlook indicates a shift toward more advanced, less harmful alternatives, reflecting a commitment to non-lethal solutions for crowd management.

Focus on Compliance with Human Rights Standards

Governments and law enforcement agencies are increasingly prioritizing the development and use of riot control equipment that aligns with human rights regulations. As concerns over excessive use of force grow, there is a push for technologies that allow for crowd management while safeguarding civil liberties. This includes the development of non-lethal solutions and improved training for officers on how to apply force proportionately. These shifts are prompting a significant market evolution, where the focus on compliance with human rights standards is fostering North America riot control equipment market growth.

North America Riot Control Equipment Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the North America riot control equipment market, along with forecasts at the regional and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on product type and end user.

Analysis by Product Type:

• Personnel Protection Equipment
• Crowd Dispersal Equipment

Personnel protection equipment is the largest segment, accounting for 67.8% of the market share. Personnel protection equipment (PPE) in the North America riot control equipment market includes gear designed to safeguard law enforcement officers during crowd control operations. This category encompasses items such as riot shields, helmets, body armor, and gas masks. These products are essential for ensuring officer safety while managing potentially violent crowds. As demand for effective, non-lethal crowd control grows, PPE remains a critical component, driving innovation in designs that offer enhanced protection and comfort during extended operations.

Analysis by End User:

• Law Enforcement
• Military and Special Forces

Law enforcement equipment is the largest segment, accounting for 63.2% of the market share. In the North America riot control equipment market, law enforcement agencies are the primary end users, utilizing a wide range of crowd control tools to maintain public order. This includes police departments, municipal forces, and federal agencies. As protests and civil unrest rise, law enforcement is increasingly adopting non-lethal technologies like stun grenades, tear gas, and rubber bullets to minimize harm while maintaining control. The growing need for public safety and minimal force is driving the demand for advanced riot control solutions within this sector.

Country Analysis:

• United States
• Canada

In 2024, United States holds the largest segment accounting for 87.7% of market share. The United States is the largest market for riot control equipment in North America, driven by frequent instances of social unrest and protests. Law enforcement agencies at federal, state, and local levels are increasingly investing in advanced non-lethal technologies to manage crowd control effectively and ethically. The demand for advanced riot gear, such as tear gas, rubber bullets, and sound cannons, is growing. Additionally, the U.S. government’s focus on improving public safety while adhering to human rights regulations is boosting market growth.

Competitive Landscape:

The North America riot control equipment market is characterized by intense competition among key manufacturers and suppliers offering a diverse range of products, from personnel protection equipment to crowd dispersal technologies. Companies are focusing on developing advanced, non-lethal solutions, such as rubber bullets, tear gas, sound cannons, and water cannons, in response to growing demand for safer crowd management tools. Competition is driven by innovation, technological advancements, and compliance with human rights standards. Additionally, market players are increasingly emphasizing training services and customized solutions to differentiate themselves, targeting law enforcement and military agencies seeking effective, ethical crowd control solutions.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the North America riot control equipment market with detailed profiles of all major companies.

Latest News and Developments:

• April 2025: Revelyst, Blackhawk, and SNO Trailers introduced SPECTR, a modular, off-road emergency-response trailer designed for rapid deployment in scenarios including riot control. Equipped with Wi-Fi, Starlink connectivity, and customizable features like drone launch pads and equipment repair areas, SPECTR serves as a mobile command center for first responders, law enforcement, and military operations in challenging terrains.
• January 2025: PepperBall launched BURST, a non-lethal tool for crowd control. It is a compact riot control device that combines a fast-dispersing powder cloud with a 130-decibel auditory blast to quickly gain compliance in high-risk situations. Available in four variants (STUN, INERT, LIVE-X, and LIVE-MAXX), it offers tailored solutions for training, crowd control, and tactical operations.
• January 2025: Safe-Pro USA unveiled its new ultra-lightweight “305 PRO” body armor plate at SHOT Show 2025 in Las Vegas. Designed for law enforcement, the American-made gear meets NIJ 0101.07 standards and offers high-performance protection against rifle threats while enhancing mobility and comfort for public safety officers.
• November 2024: Honeywell agreed to sell its Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) business to Protective Industrial Products (PIP) for USD 1.325 billion. The sale aligns with Honeywell's strategy to simplify its portfolio and focus on automation, aviation, and energy transition, while PIP expands its PPE offerings.
• July 2024: DEFILADE Protection Systems launched its Protective Deployment Gloves (PDG), designed for law enforcement professionals. Offering flame resistance (EN407) and impact protection (EN388), the gloves come in two versions, ideal for riot control, public order, and critical operations requiring high dexterity and firearm handling.

North America Riot Control Equipment Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the North America riot control equipment market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the North America riot control equipment market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the North America riot control equipment industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.