PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Schools in Gloucester City, New Jersey are getting outfitted with hundreds of bulletproof shields to protect students in the event of an active shooter.
A Gloucester City police officer fired rifle rounds at a bulletproof shield from about 30 feet away during a demonstration Wednesday, and they barely left a mark. The shields are about 2 feet by 2 feet wide and weigh 22 pounds each.
Police Chief Brian Morrell said he isn’t concerned about a potential situation with a shooter grabbing hold of one of these for their own protection.
“If you hold it and feel it, if you can shoot and hold that thing and move around, best of luck to you. We feel as though that’s not possible. Is it possible? Yes. Will it happen? No,” said Morrell.
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“There’s 250 being donated to the Gloucester City School District, so over three schools, they will be divided evenly … they’ll be placed in proximity to the fire extinguishers.”
Local business owner Leo Holt is donating the shields. He said they should provide parents with some peace of mind.
“Police can’t be everywhere and they can’t get there instantaneously. This provides another layer of protection,” said Holt, who added the shields buy students time.
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“And get themselves to a safe place while they wait for the good guys to show up.”
He added this same new technology is being included in body armor for FBI agents.