What could bulletproof glass do for schools?
Bulletproof glass, or more accurately, ballistic-resistant and forced-entry-resistant glazing, can transform school security by providing a critical 'delay' during an emergency. In most school shooting scenarios, the intruder gains entry by shooting through the glass panels in doors or windows and then reaching in to unlock them. By installing products like Riot Glass or ballistic-rated glazing, schools can prevent this easy access. Even if the glass is shot, it remains a solid physical barrier that an intruder cannot simply walk through. This gives teachers and students precious time to implement lockdown procedures and allows law enforcement to arrive on the scene before a breach occurs. Beyond active shooter protection, these systems also protect against vandalism and break-ins, which are more common threats for many campuses. Implementing such technology also provides a psychological benefit, offering peace of mind to parents, staff, and students. Importantly, many of these modern systems can be retrofitted over existing glass, making them a cost-effective way to significantly harden a school's exterior without creating an intimidating, 'fortress-like' appearance.