This pattern is so predictable, The Outlast Trials (2024) was based around it; your character is given trials based around fascist manipulation following this (“protect the children”) among many other patterns.

You are the shepherd, who would save the poor little lambs from Mother. Deliver them to the warm embrace of the Church, and we will let you out.

Honestly, if their goal was to imitate the appearance of cops, that seems likely. I imagine full kevlar is pretty expensive.

The other good thing about shotguns: Low penetration. If there’s a victim visible behind your attacker, you’re likely to hit them with any kind of projectile. But, if there’s a victim behind a wall or in a house behind your attacker, at least a shotgun will stop at the drywall.