BRUNSWICK COUNTY — After approving security camera upgrades earlier this year, Brunswick County Schools is now looking to enhance its weapon detection abilities.
READ MORE: Brunswick Democratic Party concerned with school district’s projected $1M security system
At the board of education’s Tuesday meeting, Superintendent Dale Cole reported the the district has purchased two “smart weapons detection systems” to pilot at middle and high schools this spring. Cole described walk-through stands, similar to metal detectors, yet faster in their scanning technology. He said the systems were also highly mobile, allowing the district to perform spot-checks at different schools.
“The research shows that’s actually a much better way to use metal detectors or weapons detection systems — is to have random checks as opposed to just parking one at the front of every building that’s there every day,” Cole said.
The technology was discussed at the district’s quarterly safety meeting; according to board chair Steve Barger, Tuesday was the first board members had heard about the project.
District spokesperson Gordon Burnette told Port City Daily the decision was made by the district safety team, which includes the superintendent.
“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority in Brunswick County Schools. If these systems prove to be user-friendly and effective in identifying weapons and ensuring school safety, we will consider expanding their use to other schools,” Burnette said.
According to the company’s website, one weapon detection system consists of two free-standing podiums, each 25 pounds. The system can be set up in less than a minute, allowing it to be moved to different locations, indoor or outdoor. The system can reportedly search through bags, requiring no separate searches, and can be controlled via app. Its settings allow users to adjust the system’s sensitivity, which in turn controls the flow rate of people through the checkpoint.
Brunswick County School’s pilot will cost the district $43,167, which also includes training. According to Burnette, the cost of implementation and ongoing maintenance will depend on the chosen solution after the pilot ends with the close of the school year.
“For instance, the expense of implementing a solution for use only at high school athletic events would differ significantly from the cost of implementing a solution across all schools for both athletic and special events,” he said.
The system is more costly compared with the district’s current metal detectors, located at the district’s three largest high schools. Burnette said a new PD6500i walk-through Garrett Metal Detector is approximately $5,500, but “studies have shown that these systems are more effective and efficient in identifying and locating weapons.”
Additionally, Burnette said the district does not plan to implement daily use of metal detectors at school entrances. Instead, they would be deployed for random screenings or at specific events, such as athletic competitions and graduations. The systems will be rotated between schools in coordination with law enforcement.
PCD requested the number of times BCS has found a weapon on a student over the last five years, but did not receive the information by press.
Crime stats, according to the North Carolina Public Instruction’s annual crime report, in Brunswick County Schools have oscillated over the last decade; 2013 consisted of 60 instances, which grew to 87 in 2014 — an increase of 45%.
It dropped by 56% in 2015 and from there 36% by 2016, where it remained steady for the next two years. Three years thereafter it dipped, with 0 crime instances accounted for in 2020 due to the pandemic. In 2021, as students re-entered classrooms, the district had 10 instances of crimes, which jumped up 630% to 73 by 2022.
2023’s numbers doubled from 10 years ago to 124 instances:
- Six instances of assault resulting in serious injury
- 11 instances of assault on school personnel
- One bomb threat/hoax
- Eight instances of possession of an alcoholic beverage
- 65 instances of possession of a controlled substances
- Eight instances of possession of a weapon
- Five sexual offenses
In March, the school board signed off on replacing the district’s 15-year-old camera software with a security system called Milestone, despite privacy concerns from the Brunswick County Democratic Party. The cameras and servers feature enhanced zoom capabilities, increased storage capacity, perimeter defense, object analytics, motion detection, and the capability to directly alert administration in the event of a security breach.
Advanced capabilities of the new system, including facial, vehicle, and license-plate recognition, and weapon detection, were also available, though not utilized.
The weapon detection system to be piloted, called Open Gate, will not be through Milestone, but instead through A3 Communications, who has partnered with Open Gates manufacturer, CEIA USA.
The district is still finalizing a date for implementation.
Reach journalist Brenna Flanagan at brenna@localdailymedia.com.
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