ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. — Rockdale County Public School officials have issued new wireless metal detectors to high schools and middle schools to prevent guns and other weapons from being snuck onto campus.
The system, called Open Gate, is portable and can be easily moved from one place to another.
“The flexibility of the system is an inherent advantage over traditional, fix metal detectors,” Rockdale School District Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts told Channel 2′s Tom Regan.
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Another advantage to Open Gate is the sensitivity of the detectors can be modified to allow harmless metal objects, like cellphones, metal wallets, keys, and bookbinders to pass through, but sound an alarm with larger metal objects that resemble guns or knives.
“We have the ability to increase or decrease the settings, based on the the threat,” said Rockdale School District Security Director Darren Greene.
The screening portals will be set up at schools at random, unscheduled times, providing an element of surprise for students.
“Having a system that is deployed without advance notice really magnifies and multiplies the deterrent value. That’s what it is all about,” Oatts said.
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Conyers Middle School Principal Dr. De’borah Reese. said her metals scanners will be set up without notice, at doors where children arriving in cars and buses enter the school.
“I think our staff and community appreciate these new systems of safety that we have in place,” Reese said.
Teachers who have children attending school also appreciate the added security.
“It’s a sense of peace of mind, calmness. and at least you know there are layers of security to protect your child,” Alex Guilford said.
“I think it is a good thing to have in place with the increased violence in our nation and in our schools,” said Lakeesha Wallace.
The new metal detectors are part of a multilayered security strategy which also includes a mandate that students carry see-through book bags, and giving law enforcement digital access to school floor plans and surveillance systems.
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