Jim Richards | |
As violence becomes more prevalent and threats evolve, government facility security remains a top priority for agencies at every level.
Whether you manage a city hall, courthouse, public works building, or a federal agency, safeguarding your people and assets requires a thoughtful, comprehensive approach. Our team has helped secure over 30,000 businesses across the country with custom ballistic systems that balance safety, aesthetics and access.
Here are some of the most common questions we hear from government agencies.
What Are the First Steps in Planning Security Upgrades?
Effective security planning begins with a detailed risk assessment.
This consists of evaluating the building’s layout, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and analyzing the surrounding neighborhood’s safety profile.
Consider the types of services your facility provides and the volume and flow of people, including employees, public visitors, and contractors, throughout the building. Common vulnerable areas include:
- The main entrance
- Side doors or windows
- Public-facing counters
- Transaction windows
- Employee-accessible offices
To ensure a comprehensive and strategic process, Total Security Solutions recommends a five-phase approach. While the timeline for each project will vary, here are some general guidelines:
- In Phase 1, (Weeks 1-4), facility managers should collaborate with local law enforcement, security consultants, and internal stakeholders to identify current weaknesses and possible threats.
- In Phase 2, (Weeks 5–8), engage architects and security partners to discuss how to integrate security enhancements without disrupting architectural integrity or ADA compliance.
- Phase 3 (Weeks 9–12) focuses on choosing the appropriate ballistic barriers, doors, transaction windows, and vendors with proven government experience.
- In Phase 4 (Weeks 12–28), your service provider fabricates the protection system and coordinates installation.
- Phase 5 consists of training and ongoing education to ensure employees know how to use and maintain the new systems and equipment, including running drills and handling emergency protocols.
What Security Features Should Government Facilities Consider?
A systems approach to security is most effective in government institutions, especially those that remain open to the public.
For main entrances, start with bulletproof doors and framing tested to UL 752 ballistic standards and appropriate ASTM standards for forced entry.
Most city or county offices require Level 3 protection to stop common handgun threats, while federal agencies may need Levels 4 through 8 to withstand higher-caliber firearms.
You will likely also need bulletproof windows at key points where employees are typically present, including transaction windows with package passers for public-service counters to allow safe, efficient communication and transfer of documents.
Access control systems can also help limit unauthorized movement within the building. These can range from keycard access and biometric readers to integration with alarms and remote lockdown capabilities.
Intrusion detection and alarm systems are also vital for after-hours protection. They should tie into local law enforcement notifications and can include motion sensors, glass-break detection, and duress buttons.
To reinforce common gathering areas, consider adding ballistic fiberglass wall panels to conference rooms, reception desks, and council chambers. These panels are designed to stop bullets and can be installed behind drywall or decorative millwork for a discreet appearance.
What Is the Typical Cost and Timeline for Government Security Projects?
Project budgets vary widely based on building size, material choice, UL rating levels, and complexity. Smaller upgrades, like adding a ballistic window or door, may start at $4,000, while more upgrades like secure vestibules or a series of transaction windows across a service counter, may start at $30,000 or more.
What UL Level Is Recommended for Government Agencies?
Selecting the right UL level for your facility depends on your location, threat assessment, and budget.
UL Level 1 may be ideal for lower-risk government offices and local municipalities.
It can stop up to three shots from a 9mm handgun and is often sufficient as a visual deterrent.
UL Level 3 is the standard recommendation for most city halls, state offices, and courthouses. It’s capable of stopping three rounds from a .44 Magnum and covers nearly all handgun threats.
For high-risk or federal installations, UL Levels 4 through 8 may be more appropriate.
These levels offer rifle protection and are especially relevant for secure facilities like military offices.
Consulting a ballistic expert ensures your security measures match your threat profile.
What Type of Barrier Is Best for a Main Entrance?
Most government entrances we fabricate use level 3 bulletproof glass, fiberglass panels, and framing. We can also create standalone barriers or backglaze existing exterior windows if you have a design that can't change, or need to make the most of your budget.
How Should I Secure Facilities Beyond the Front Lobby?
As concerns over active shooter events grow, having secure areas for government workers becomes a growing priority. A common solution is to add ballistic fiberglass panels to desk dividers, as well as creating safe rooms out of existing conference rooms. Rooms should be large enough to accommodate everyone and be reinforced with ballistic fiberglass wall panels as well as a bulletproof door.
We offer a wide range of bulletproof door styles so the ballistic door blends seamlessly with your environment.
How Should Government Leaders Prepare for Installation?
Preparation is key to a smooth installation process. First, assess whether your office requires structural reinforcement to support heavier materials, especially for retrofits. Existing frames may need to be replaced or reinforced to accommodate thicker glass and doors.
Next, plan the installation during non-peak hours or off-hours to reduce disruption to public services. TSS often performs installations after hours or on weekends to ensure continuity of operations.
Communication is also crucial. Ensure everyone is aware of new emergency protocols and security policies. Provide training on how to operate new access control elements, lockdown procedures, and maintenance best practices.
Are There Grants for Government Security Projects?
Funding is available for many government security upgrades.
Recent legislation, such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, expanded federal and state grant options to provide assistance for physical security enhancements. Agencies can apply for these grants, administered through FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security through their state's administrative agency.
(See this list of agencies for all states.)
Government entities can also work through the General Services Administration (GSA) to procure security products and services.
Our team can assist with grant applicants by validating security needs, estimating project costs, and supplying technical documentation required in many grant applications.
What Are Some General Government Security Solutions and Best Practices?
Every government security project should begin by answering a few foundational questions:
- How will staff and visitors communicate across barriers?
- How will documents, IDs, or packages be transferred safely?
- What should the final installation look like, and how will it affect daily operations?
Addressing these questions early helps align design, function, and safety. A common best practice is to incorporate ballistic transaction windows with integrated voice transmission and item passers.
For example, a vertical or horizontal baffle window offers outstanding visibility and sound clarity without requiring additional speaker systems. This enhances the security and usability of high-traffic areas such as permit counters, tax offices, or court clerk stations.
Additional best practices include integrating access control, bulletproof doors, and ballistic wall panels to protect sensitive areas such as records rooms, council chambers, and back offices.
Our team frequently helps municipalities retrofit existing buildings, especially when funding is limited or full renovation isn't possible, by strategically installing fiberglass wall panels behind existing drywall, and using back-glazed systems to reinforce windows from inside.
The best government security solution is one that’s tailored to your facility’s layout, risk level, and daily operations.
Does TSS Offer Consulting Services?
Yes! If you know you need to improve your government building security systems, but aren't sure where to start, we can either survey your site in person, or review photos and make recommendations remotely.
Provided measurements are often enough for us to quote out a project, but our team may also need to visit your site to take exact measurements. We measure to 1/32 of an inch to ensure your system fits exactly right the first time. This is a critical step in the process when working with bullet-resistant glazing that cannot be modified on-site.
How Does TSS Collaborate With Architects During the Project Design?
We find the process of working with architects most effective when we communicate at the beginning of a project before specs are sent out for bids. Our team of engineers can ensure your designs reflect what's available, possible, and in-line with your client's aesthetics.
Does TSS Offer Installation Services?
Yes! Our on-staff crew offers installation services in the United States. Having an in-house, on-staff team allows us to offer you a turnkey solution executed by expert craftsmen.
We also regularly collaborate with local glaziers, contractors, and construction professionals, offering the support they need to ensure products are installed correctly.
TSS Is Proud to Protect Government Facilities Across the United States
Total Security Solutions is a trusted partner to municipalities, law enforcement, and federal agencies nationwide. We provide custom, comprehensive ballistic systems developed by our engineering team and manufactured in-house.
Our team will respond to most requests within 24 hours and can install many projects the same day, often working after hours to avoid service disruptions.
If your institution is ready to safeguard your facility and protect public assets, request a consultation with our ballistic experts today to identify risks and explore your options.
We'll guide you from concept to completion with solutions that align with your budget, mission, and space.
