What Bulletproof Products are Ideal for Bank Security
- Joseph Hayes
- Sep 22
- 4 min read
Banks face a range of physical threats that can compromise safety and operations, including armed robbery, forced entry, and targeted attacks, putting staff, customers, and assets at significant risk. Unfortunately, these dangers cannot be solved through surveillance alone. Establishing a robust security strategy in a bank necessitates the use of bulletproof products designed to mitigate aggressive incidents and protect vulnerable zones while supporting day-to-day functionality. The right mix of bulletproof products, aligned with a bank's layout and security needs, helps reinforce safety and maintain uninterrupted service.
What’s at Risk Without Bulletproof Protection?
A bank without bulletproof protection can become vulnerable to rapid threats that cause lasting harm. Consequences may include:
Injury to staff or customers
Cash or asset loss
Facility damage and service interruption
Staff trauma and increased turnover
Reputational harm and reduced customer confidence.
Criminals often identify and exploit weaknesses in physical security. If a bank is seen as less protected, it may be considered a higher-risk target until security measures are improved. Bulletproof products are essential to breaking such a cycle by preventing access, slowing down potential threats, and giving staff time to respond, ultimately helping reduce both immediate harm and long-term risk.
Key Bulletproof Products for Bank Security
Protecting critical areas within a bank, such as teller stations, secure rooms, and public-facing entrances, requires a well-chosen set of core bulletproof solutions.
Bullet-Resistant Teller Window
Teller windows are a standard feature in bank layouts, facilitating face-to-face service while separating staff from the public. By making the windows bullet-resistant, banks can strengthen safety at a key point of customer interaction. This is typically achieved using materials such as acrylic, laminated polycarbonate, or glass-clad composites, which are selected to meet UL 752 Levels 1 - 3 for protection against common handgun threats.
It is typical to find voice ports, pass-through drawers, or stainless steel trays in bullet-resistant teller windows that help facilitate safe, efficient customer transactions. A well-installed teller system not only provides a strong physical barrier but also maintains clear visibility and good customer service, allowing employees to feel more secure in potentially high-stress environments.
Bullet-Resistant Doors and Entry Systems
In banks, access control is vital for protecting restricted zones like staff offices, vault corridors, and transaction rooms. Bullet-resistant doors provide a secure boundary between these areas and more publicly accessible spaces. They are built with reinforced cores, typically made from fiberglass or steel, and are available with UL 752 ratings from Level 1 - 8, depending on the degree of ballistic protection required.
Additionally, bullet-resistant doors are often applied as part of vestibule entry systems in bank branches, adding an extra layer of control at key access points. Within a typical configuration, a secured vestibule might feature interlocking bullet-resistant doors, integrated surveillance, and remote locking systems. Such a setup helps manage traffic flow, slow down unauthorized access, and give staff time to assess and respond to potential threats.
Reinforced Walls and Counter Structures
Bulletproof walls and counters are an important part of bank security, ensuring protective coverage extends beyond doors and windows. Wall systems typically utilize ballistic fiberglass panels concealed behind drywall or casework to reinforce teller areas, back offices, and secure rooms. The panels are available in various UL 752 levels, helping banks tailor protection to defend against firearm threats and forced entry attempts.
Moreover, teller counters can be fitted with under-counter bulletproof panels and reinforced cabinetry to shield staff from frontal or angled threats. These components are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing layouts, maintaining both function and aesthetic while enhancing safety across key transaction points.
Modular Safe Rooms and Secure Enclosures
Although most bank branches rely on vaults and reinforced counters for asset protection, some institutions, especially larger financial centers or high-risk locations, benefit from modular safe rooms. Modular safe rooms provide a practical solution for banks that need secure internal spaces without undergoing extensive construction. These rooms are built from pre-engineered ballistic panels and can be tailored to house cash handling zones and IT infrastructure or serve as panic rooms in emergency situations. Because modular safe rooms are prefabricated and designed for flexibility, they can be quickly installed and adjusted to meet space constraints or security standards. Many also include options for air ventilation, lighting, and communication systems, making them not only protective but functional workspaces during normal operations.
Guard Booths
Protection must extend beyond the walls of a bank. At the perimeter, bulletproof guard booths provide controlled access points for vehicles and pedestrians. Staff operating the booths can monitor activity while remaining protected, offering an extra layer of oversight and deterrence before anyone reaches the building.
Integrated Bulletproof Protection for Modern Bank Environments
Strong bank security requires a careful balance between protection and everyday function. The use of bulletproof products, including teller windows, reinforced doors, and secure enclosures, helps banks safeguard people and assets without interrupting daily operations. With this objective in mind, Action Bullet Resistant delivers certified, purpose-built solutions that support long-term safety and operational continuity. We work closely with banks to develop systems tailored to their layout, threat profile, and compliance needs, ensuring effective security where it matters most. Contact our team to learn more about the bulletproof products we offer.