Months after installing metal detectors at some campuses, Henry County Schools will soon roll out weapons detectors in an effort to enhance security at events.
As with the county’s metal detector rollout in December, the weapons detectors will be placed at the middle and high schools and will only be used for after-school activities and sporting events. They will not replace the existing metal detectors, according to Ben Boone, the division’s assistant superintendent for operations.
“We will still use the metal detectors we have to supplement the new weapons detection systems as a secondary scanning system,” Boone said in an email. “Our plan is to pilot the new weapons detecting systems with fall sports and extracurricular events.”
Since the metal detectors were installed late last year, no weapons have been found or confiscated, according to Boone.
Installation and training for the new weapons detectors will cost $404,095 and has already been included in the current fiscal year’s budget.
Weapons detectors are not to be confused with metal detectors. While metal detectors are designed to alert when they pick up hidden metal objects, under the assumption that deadly weapons tend to be metallic, weapons detectors are designed to allow users to see a wider range of hidden weapons, and not just metal ones. They do this using technologies like X-rays, radio wave imaging and machine learning imaging.
The system, known as OPENGATE, has its roots in organizations like the NFL, according to information provided to the Henry County School Board. OPENGATE took feedback from professional sports stadiums, teams and large event venues.
Boone said that the system isn’t susceptible to false negatives like coins and other things that aren’t considered dangerous weapons.
“These systems are designed to specifically pick up on weapons, so items like telephones, wallets, etc. would not be detected,” Boone said in an email.
Boone described the system as an upgrade, but said that there was no particular incident that prompted school officials to pursue a new system.
“Our goal is to be proactive by continuously improving processes and procedures that ensure a safe school environment for all activities for our students, staff, and community,” he said.
Boone said that while there are plans to expand weapon detector use to normal school days, a timeline for that has not been established.
“We do have plans to implement the systems gradually during the school day for the secondary schools, but there is no established timeline at present. There will be direct communication with families and the community prior to utilizing the system during the school day.”
