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How To Incorporate Ballistic Protection into a Police Station
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| Nov 01, 2025 |
Police stations must be able to balance security demands with public accessibility. They serve as facilities where community members can come for help, but also have the capacity to contain restricted spaces, such as custody areas, evidence rooms, and control centers, that require a higher level of defence. Ballistic protection can deliver the additional safeguards needed for a police station to withstand potential incidents, but it is most effective when applied through a structured process that identifies threats, strengthens vulnerable areas, and uses tested systems to support safety and approachability.
Step 1: Conduct a Threat and Risk Assessment
Any plan for incorporating ballistic protection into a police station begins with understanding the risks it is likely to face. A threat and vulnerability assessment can help identify the kinds of dangers a police station might realistically face, from firearms and insider threats to vehicle-borne attacks or even explosives. This assessment also shows which parts of the building are most at risk, such as public reception rooms, interview rooms, custody suites, evidence storage, and dispatch centers. By matching each potential threat that could occur within the station to the appropriate level of ballistic resistance, funding and protective measures can be directed to where they will have the greatest impact. For instance, higher-rated glazing may be used for areas exposed to rifle fire, while lighter-rated systems can protect lower-risk spaces.
Step 2: Apply a Layered Security Strategy
Ballistic protection works best in police stations when applied in layers rather than as a single barrier. Security measures, like ballistic glazing, controlled entry points, and reinforced interiors, should be distributed across the site, the building envelope, and the interior, so that if one fails, others will continue to provide ballistic protection:
- Outer perimeter: barriers such as bollards, vehicle exclusion zones, and landscaping features can increase distance from the building and reduce the risk of vehicle-borne threats.
- Building envelope: reinforced glazing, doors, and entry vestibules act as the first line of defense against ballistic attack and help control how the public moves into and through the building.
- Interior spaces: custody cells, armories, evidence rooms, IT hubs, and staff refuge spaces benefit from additional reinforcement, such as ballistic wall panels and doors and protective glazing, to ensure operations can continue as safely as possible.
Step 3: Select the Right Type of Ballistic Protection
As risks vary across a police station, the protective measures used must be adjusted accordingly. The vulnerabilities identified during the threat assessment determine the choice of security solution, ensuring the highest-risk areas receive the most appropriate safeguards.
Common options for ballistic protection include:
- Ballistic glazing systems: laminated glass and polycarbonate layers are often installed at reception counters and officer workspaces that face the public.
- Ballistic wall panels: lightweight fiberglass panels can be integrated into new builds or retrofitted into interview rooms, corridors, or offices.
- Ballistic doors and frames: certified door assemblies, including frames and hardware, are essential for securing armories, custody areas, and entry points.
- Hostile vehicle mitigation: bollards, reinforced planters, and secure landscaping keep suspicious or aggressive vehicles from reaching vulnerable façades at entrances and public-facing areas.
Step 4: Test to Recognized Standards
Protective materials only provide real security if they are backed by proper testing, which is why international standards are so essential. In North America, UL 752 protection levels are widely used for certifying ballistic-resistant products, while NIJ standards classify protection against firearms. Moreover, in Europe, EN 1063 defines glazing classes that show how glass systems perform under ballistic attack. These standards don’t just apply to individual materials but to how they perform as part of a complete assembly. A pane of glass, for example, is only as strong as the frame and anchoring that support it. To ensure performance, procurement should always require independent certification, installation warranties, and clear test documentation.
Step 5: Design For Safety and Operational Needs
Incorporating protective features into a police station should be about shaping a space to be both secure and functional for staff and visitors. Reception areas, for example, should feel welcoming but still have a secure separation for staff. This balance can be achieved with clear glazing, thoughtful layouts, and layered access zones. Operational considerations are equally as important, since officers and staff must be trained to use protective systems, respond to duress alarms, and follow lockdown or evacuation procedures. Ongoing maintenance is also vital, with regular inspections and the timely replacement of glazing, doors, and other components needed to ensure systems continue to perform as expected.
Step 6: Implement in Phases
Most police stations will be unable to upgrade everything at once, which makes phased implementation, upgrading security measures in planned stages, a practical approach to improving security. It allows departments to prioritize urgent vulnerabilities, spread investment over time, and minimize disruption to daily operations.
Typical phases include:
- Phase 1: immediate upgrades, like ballistic glazing for public reception areas and secure doors for evidence rooms and armories.
- Phase 2: perimeter improvements, including bollards, controlled vehicle access points, and enhanced surveillance systems.
- Phase 3: deeper retrofits, such as replacing façade glazing and reinforcing internal partitions for long-term resilience.
Strengthening Security in Police Stations with Ballistic Protection
Incorporating ballistic protection into a is a structured process that starts with assessing risks, adds layers of defense, and is best carried out in phases. Done well, it ensures facilities are both secure and welcoming. Armortex is able to provide ballistic protection such as , , and that meet UL 752 standards, offering solutions that integrate smoothly into both new and existing police facilities. Speak with our specialists today to learn more about our ballistic protection solutions and how they can meet the requirements of your station.
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