NYSCUL Says Bulletproof Glass Bill Not the Answer

ALBANY, N.Y. – The New York State Credit Union League is saying no to bullet-resistant glass requirements. Assembly Bill 9475, sponsored by Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan (D-Queens), Committee on Banks Chair would require all financial institutions to install bullet resistant glass to help protect employees from harm during a robbery. The NYSCUL Governmental Affairs staff released a statement criticizing the proposed requirement citing serious concerns including cost, a false sense of security for employees and the potential for increased hostage situations if trained credit union employees are inaccessible behind the barriers. “With credit unions varying in location, size, membership, services provided and crime risk potential, credit unions should be allowed to judge robbery risk and choose the combination of procedures and protections for each location,” the League stated. According to the League, with installation costs –including glass, painting, framing, light relocations and HVAC service– estimated at $7,500 per teller window, many credit unions, especially small credit unions, can’t afford installation. The league pointed out that in addition to bullet-resistant glass, credit unions have installed other safeguards, including the following: *Alarms *Surveillance cameras *Security guards *Entrance chambers *Weapon detectors *Armored car services