Guest Post: The Problematic Rise of “Bulletproof” Window Film in Schools – What Administrators and Legislators Need to Know

While some states are legislating the use of “bulletproof window film” in schools in response to school shootings, others are adding it as a preventative measure. These film products are usually thin, installed over the existing glass and fairly affordable.

The problem is, inexpensive, thin security window film designed to delay entry will not stop a bullet. 

What this product will do is keep a window from shattering out, delaying the aggressor and making it harder to break and enter. So why is this so-called bulletproof window film so commonplace in American schools when educators are looking for bulletproof protection? And what can administrators do instead?

“Bulletproof” window film is becoming increasingly common because it’s seen as a cost-effective, easy-to-install alternative to bulletproof glass. Teachers and administrators who are under tremendous pressure to respond to safety incidents don’t always have the resources they need to make decisions about security. It’s on the vendors to make sure their advertising, product descriptions, and claims are clear and easy to understand. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen, leaving administrators at a disadvantage and their students vulnerable.

Two Red Flags When Looking for Bulletproof Protection

Between January 2020 and May 2020, Google searches for “bulletproof window film” increased by 150%; today, there are 2.5 million results for all types of so-called bulletproof film products.

First, look out for uncommon existing glass requirements. Some products require installation over glass that’s a half inch thick in order to stop common handgun bullets. This type of glass is uncommon and product marketing doesn’t often emphasize this important factor, which is critical for the product’s ability to stop a bullet. And if you’re a school trying to save money, buying a film product and new window glass quickly balloons in cost – defeating the original goal of a cost-effective solution.

Second, beware of vague language. Often the “protective qualities” discussion begins with a statement about the product being shot, then quickly changes to the product’s ability to delay an intruder’s entrance. What is not clearly explained is that the bullets went through the material. This leads to a false assumption that the product is bulletproof, when it is in fact not.

Another version of vague language is when the discussion leads with the product’s ability to stop a high-caliber bullet (remember the half-inch thick glass example above), then switches to how it also works on common, quarter-inch thick glass. What is left out is the bullet now in discussion is a low-caliber, such as a .22 bullet, which is not commonly used in school threat situations.

Both of these factors should be red flags for anyone looking for a bulletproof film product. If you want to guarantee that the product can do what it says it can do, look for a rating or testing information based on a third-party standard like the UL 752 Standard for Bullet Resistance. Without third-party validation, be very wary. Any product claiming bulletproof performance without being able to indicate stopping capabilities as measured by a third-party standard is not a product that should be installed in your school.

Bulletproof Glass Offers Superior Bulletproof Protection Compared to Film

If schools need to stop bullets, bulletproof glass is a more efficient and effective solution compared to security window films. That’s because bulletproof glass is thicker, stronger and specially designed to trap a bullet and disperse its energy.

Bulletproof glass is a broad term that describes a variety of clear, bullet-resistant barriers. There are four primary types of bulletproof glass commercially available: acrylic, laminated polycarbonate, glass-clad polycarbonate and insulated glass.

Bulletproof glass isn’t 100% glass. On its own, glass isn’t very strong. But, in combination with thermoplastics and adhesives, it has bullet-resisting properties. These complex types of bulletproof glass offer a high level of bullet resistance. For situations with lower risk levels, simpler materials offer excellent protection at a more affordable price point. For instance, acrylic bulletproof glass can stop shots from the most commonly owned handguns. The type of glass that’s right for you just depends on your unique situation.

Bulletproof glass is available in many different levels of protection with the capacity to protect from handgun fire, rifle fire, and blunt force. And when it’s designed and installed correctly, bulletproof glass is practically indistinguishable from unrated glass windows and doors.

The challenge for many schools is the price tag – especially if you’ve just spent hours pricing out different film products; however, the level of protection will be higher. It’s as simple as that.

Decision Makers Deserve Meaningful Support When It Comes to School Safety

Rather than dismiss bulletproof glass as an option or compromise on safety by choosing an inferior product, school administrators deserve support in not only identifying the right products, but purchasing them as well.

Many states offer grant funding for security projects, especially as these ballistic features are being written into law, making improvements feasible. Schools can also stagger their security upgrades over the course of several years in order to spread the costs out. Working with the local sheriff, a security consultant, or a ballistic barrier company who can make recommendations is a great place to start.

This doesn’t mean film isn’t a good security product or doesn’t belong in school settings. Quite the opposite. Security window film is excellent at slowing intruders down, making it ideal in locations where people aren’t present, such as back doors or side windows.

Bulletproof glass should be used at main entrances and high-traffic areas, including reception areas, entrance vestibules and office windows. Bulletproof glass is also a great choice for ground-floor windows that look into classrooms. These are general recommendations; a security or ballistics expert would be able to provide a personalized recommendation based on your school.

Legislators: If You Need to Stop a Bullet, You Need Bulletproof Barriers

Ultimately, if legislators want to improve safety in schools, especially during active shooter events or other armed incidents, they must do their due diligence when it comes to writing and passing legislation. The security professionals I know, myself included, are deeply passionate about keeping people safe. We want the best for our communities and our children, and if anyone has questions about how to make that happen on a systemic level, they shouldn’t hesitate to ask for guidance from someone with expertise in this area.

Everyone deserves to feel safe at school. By working together, we can help make that a reality.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association.