Installing 3M Security Window Films and Attachment System Provided Invisible Protection for Students and School Property
Project
More than 100 years after its founding, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati is the oldest continuously operating Jewish federation in North America. Started in 1896, the group is a resource for Cincinnati’s Jewish population, encouraging networking, coordinating community giving and providing support for various organizations throughout the region. The Federation aims to identify and prioritize the needs of the Jewish Community, and today, with active shooter events on the rise, the safety of children in schools was identified as a top priority. They called in 3M to discuss their security window films as a product that could be part of the solution.
Situation
Protection from active shooter events has become a high priority for schools across the country. Securing the building perimeter is a challenge when glass doors and windows are common in architectural design.
Additionally, one important lesson of history, is that Jewish organizations need to be vigilant regarding security threats. With anti-Semitism and other hate crimes again on the rise in much
of the world, the Federation began a program in 2012 known as “SAFE Cincinnati,” designed to constantly monitor and improve security at area Jewish facilities.
Shortly thereafter, the Federation hired a retired FBI agent, Mark Dowd, as SAFE Cincinnati’s Director of Community Security. One of his focal points has been to improve the security strategy at the Jewish schools in Cincinnati, which are vulnerable to the same type of “active shooter” incidents that have touched schools throughout the nation.
“We have locks on the glass doors, but what value were the locks actually providing if the glass could be simply shot out during an active shooter event?” — Mark Dowd, SAFE Cincinnati Director of Community Security
Solution
The search for better security measure eventually led Dowd to a 3M product – 3M Window Film Ultra S800 and 3M Impact Protection Profile Attachment System – and he recently oversaw the installation of the film and attachment system at an area Jewish school.
“Glass is the weakest entry point on most building exteriors,” Dowd explained. “We have locks on the glass doors, but what value were the locks actually providing if the glass could be simply shot out during an active shooter event?”
3M’s Ultra S800 Window Film is a clear security film made of a highly specialized tear resistant micro-layered polyester. It includes a special, thicker adhesive that holds broken glass together, hindering anyone trying to break and enter through a window. It also reduces the threat of flying glass in the event of an explosion. The film has been identified and utilized by hundreds of schools, and numerous states, as one of the most cost effective solutions to secure the building exterior.
Result
Dowd said the lm is invisible, preventing potential attackers from knowing that additional security measures are in place. Dowd and the SAFE Cincinnati organization continue to work with both law enforcement and intelligence agencies to be aware of possible threats, but they know their security posture has been improved with 3M Window Film on the front line.
“The cost of impact-resistant windows was prohibitively expensive, but the 3M Ultra S800 Window Film and attachment system gives us another layer of protection,” — Mark Dowd
If you would like more information on how security window films can add a layer of security to nearly any school facility, contact us by filling out the form below for more information. We would be happy to arrange a free, no obligation consultation and discuss implementing security window films in your particular facility. MGT Films have helped many school districts across the midwest with their safety and security needs. We cover most of the midwestern United States with locations in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi and Wisconsin. We look forward to hearing from you.
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