Federal Guidance for Anti-Smash-and-Grab: DHS Specs for Safety & Security Window Film Rolls
Posted by The Window Place USA on Mar 17th 2026
Sources: National Urban Security Technology Laboratory. Shatter-Resistant Window Film Market Survey Report. January 2015. System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER). Shatter Resistant Window Film Summary. September 2004. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Public domain.
Defining the Standard for Forced-Entry Protection
When government agencies and commercial property managers look to protect their facilities from forced entry and "smash-and-grab" theft, they turn to federal guidelines for proven solutions. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides clear, technical guidance on the use of shatter-resistant window film (SRWF) to mitigate these specific threats.
For procurement officers, understanding these federal specifications is critical. By purchasing supply-only safety and security window film rolls that meet DHS-cited standards, organizations can execute phased, cost-effective retrofits that drastically reduce the vulnerability of their ground-floor windows and glass doors.
The Role of Fragment Retention Film
In its SAVER Summary, the DHS refers to this technology as "fragment retention film (FRF)" or "security film" [1]. The primary function of this film in a forced-entry scenario is hazard reduction and access denial.
According to the DHS Market Survey Report, these films are specifically designed to counter "burglary or robbery incidents" and "forced entry" [2]. When a criminal strikes the glass with a blunt instrument, the heavy-duty polyester laminate "holds the fragments of broken glass together in one sheet" [2]. Instead of the window shattering inward and providing immediate access, the intact film barrier forces the intruder to repeatedly strike and tear at the window—a noisy, time-consuming process that typically results in the thief fleeing empty-handed.
Key DHS Specifications for Security Rolls
To ensure the film performs as intended during a smash-and-grab attempt, procurement teams must look for specific testing standards and physical properties outlined by the DHS.
| Specification Category | Federal Guidance |
|---|---|
| Minimum Thickness | The DHS notes that a standard 7-mil thickness, or a specialized 4-mil microlayered film, is considered the minimum required to provide an effective response to severe impacts [2]. |
| Burglary Resistance Standards | The report cites UL 972 (Standard for Burglary Resisting Glazing Material) and EN 356 (Burglary resistance) as the primary testing standards for films used to deter break-ins [2]. |
| Procurement Format | The DHS acknowledges that these materials are "packaged as rolls that are generally available in widths as small as 24 inches and as large as 72 inches," making bulk purchasing highly viable [2]. |
The Case for Materials-Only Procurement
Why do federal agencies and large retail chains prefer to buy supply-only rolls rather than contracting out the installation?
The DHS SAVER Summary points out that "because the film adheres directly to the glass it is beneficial for use on existing windows" [1]. This "daylight application" (applying the film directly to the clear vision area of the glass) is straightforward enough that capable in-house facility maintenance teams can perform the work.
By purchasing 100-foot master rolls, facility managers can implement a phased retrofit strategy. They can secure the highest-risk areas first—such as rear entry doors or street-facing display windows—without the administrative burden, delays, and high labor markups associated with third-party installation contracts.
The Window Place USA: Compliant Security Rolls
The Window Place USA supplies the heavy-duty, 7-mil to 15-mil safety and security window film rolls required to meet the stringent forced-entry standards cited by the DHS. We provide the bulk materials that government and commercial buyers need to harden their facilities against smash-and-grab attacks.
SAM.gov registered. P-Card accepted. Agency quotes available. Standard ground/freight shipping to all 50 states. Contact: inquiries@thewindowplaceusa.com | (866) 274-2769.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UL 972 standard?
UL 972 is the Underwriters Laboratories standard for Burglary Resisting Glazing Material. The DHS cites this standard as a key benchmark to ensure a window film provides adequate resistance against forced entry and smash-and-grab attempts [2].
What does Fragment Retention Film (FRF) do?
As defined by the DHS, FRF is a heavy-duty laminate that adheres to the inside of a window. When the glass breaks, the film retains the fragments in a single sheet, preventing the glass from falling out and denying the intruder immediate entry [1] [2].
Can I buy security film in bulk rolls?
Yes. The DHS notes that security films are manufactured in rolls ranging from 24 to 72 inches wide. Purchasing supply-only rolls is a standard procurement method for executing cost-effective, in-house retrofits [2].
References
[1] System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER). "Shatter Resistant Window Film Summary." U.S. Department of Homeland Security. September 2004. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/WindowFilm-SUM_0904-508.pdf
[2] National Urban Security Technology Laboratory. "Shatter-Resistant Window Film Market Survey Report." U.S. Department of Homeland Security. January 2015. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/SRWF-MSR_0115-508.pdf