You notice the rioters always have backpacks.
If the police had seatbelt cutters, they could cut the shoulder straps.
Then the rioters would have to commit one or two hands to hold onto their backpacks.
The police could also use seatbelt cutters on the belt of their pants.
If the police did decide to carry belt cutters while in uniform, they had better be very careful not to allow the rioters to snatch that blade out of it’s belt and onto the rioters own belt. Maybe only certain officers would be expected to carry such a tool.