Yeah see, I bought a level 3 shield and level 4 plates in Decmber. I guess the best time to plant a tree....

Arm yourself while you can.

For the handle - the adhesive you want is automotive panel bond or liquid nails, each easily acquired.

Edit: For either of these, the board or handle will fail before the adhesive.

Big round plastic trashcans are good too and do wonders for crowd control devices that use noise to disperse groups. If the curved part faces away from you it redirects the devices sound waves back at the people using them

Mop/broom + kitchen knife + duck tape = spear

It's a level up from "a junkie with a knife"

Obligatory PSA that shields will make cops primary you as they're considered a weapon and make you stand out.

Focus on PPE, an IFAK, knowledge, and community first.