In an exposé published December 22, 2024 (Schools Squander Millions on Bullet-Proof Glass. It Doesn’t Work, December 22, 2024), the Wall Street Journal reported on the misleading and confusing claims by some window film companies in the lucrative school security market.
This reflects concerns USACE has had and been warning clients about for years.
The Wall Street Journal’s exposé revealed a confusing and potentially misleading industry, characterized by questionable testing, contradictory performance claims, the use of products not intended for ballistic protection, misleading claims about product designs, and misleading endorsements.
“It’s the wild, wild west. A lot of people in schools who are in charge of security have no security background”.
– Joseph Hendry, school safety consultant, Wall Street Journal, December 22, 2024
At ACE, we know school administrators are being placed in a difficult position. They are being tasked with making complex security decisions, often without training, in an environment of heightened public anxiety and with the constant threat of attack. We’ve spoken to literally thousands of clients around the world and we know the issues, questions, pitfalls and potential complications around ballistic protection projects. We also know unscrupulous industry actors play on these complications and fears.
With our experience, we are in a unique and privileged position to help clients navigate this landscape. Using proprietary knowledge informed by thousands of customer interactions, USACE has compiled 10 KEY QUESTIONS for parents, security consultants, school boards, and administrators investigating the use of window security films.
The USACE Ten Question Checklist
For Parents, Security Consultants, And School Officials Researching “Bullet Proof” Film
If your school or board is looking for glass protection and you are researching the growing number of window film companies offering “bullet-proof” film, we have prepared the following 10 Questions you will want to ask.
What is meant by bullet proof or bullet resistant film? This is a critical question. Is the intent of the film to “stop” gunfire or is the intent of the film to keep glass in place when subjected to gunfire? If the intention is to stop or resist gunfire, a specific ballistic level should be clearly cited, preferably using the UL-752 ballistic standards. This is the most commonly referenced ballistic standard in North America.
What product testing is backing the claims?
Has this product testing been done by an independent, accredited laboratory? A growing number of companies are issuing their own test reports while claiming they were performed by arms-length third parties.
Does the test have an individual test report number which can be verified by the lab?
Ask for a copy of the test reports and verify their authenticity by contacting the issuing laboratory. Certain companies falsely claim to have test reports which they in fact do not have. This creates the potential for significant liability should there be a security event involving injury.
Do the test reports meet the actual test standards? Our research has found companies promoting ballistic testing which was not conducted in compliance with the UL-752 test protocol. These tests are subsequently non-compliant and should not be relied upon.
What is the source of the window film being proposed? Where was it made? Who was it made by? Does the manufacturer endorse it for use against ballistic and bomb blast threats and do they have test documentation verifying its efficacy? Does the manufacturer have this testing? Can you get access to the testing? Can you speak with their engineers.
If you have seen a live demonstration, is the glass used in the demonstration the kind of glass found in your building or school? Some companies do live presentations using thicker glass which will artificially boost their performance.
How long has the company you are speaking to been in business? It takes years and millions of dollars to undertake ballistic and specifically bomb blast testing. Has the company been in business long enough to actually do what they claim to have done?
Can you speak with their engineers? Are their engineers knowledgeable and credible?
We encourage all school boards, administrators and consultants to take the extra time to conduct this due diligence to avoid potential future problems, risks and liability.
To discuss your window security project, contact us at info@usace.com or 888-607-0000 for your no-obligation consultation.
