Henry County to install weapon detectors in some schools

Months after installing metal detectors on some campuses, Henry County Schools will soon deploy weapon detectors in an effort to increase security at events.

Similar to the county's rollout of metal detectors in December, gun detectors will be placed in middle and high schools and will only be used for extracurricular activities and sporting events. They will not replace existing metal detectors, according to Ben Boone, deputy superintendent of operations for the division.

“We will continue to use the metal detectors we have available to supplement the new weapon detection systems as a secondary scanning system,” Boone said in an email. “Our plan is to test the new weapon detection 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 of the new weapons detectors will cost $404,095 and has already been included in the current fiscal year's budget.

Weapon detectors should not be confused with metal detectors. While metal detectors are designed to alert when they detect hidden metal objects, assuming that deadly weapons tend to be metallic, weapon detectors are designed to allow users to see a wider range of hidden weapons, and not just metal ones. To do this, they use technologies such as 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 into account feedback from professional sports stadiums, teams and major event venues.

Boone said the system is not sensitive to false negatives like coins and other items that are not considered dangerous weapons.

“These systems are designed to specifically detect weapons, so that objects such as phones, wallets, etc. are not detected,” Boone said in an email.

Boone described the system as an upgrade, but said there was no specific incident that prompted school officials to adopt a new system.

“Our goal is to be proactive in continually improving processes and procedures that ensure a safe school environment for all activities of our students, staff and community,” he said.

Boone said that while there are plans to expand the use of weapon detectors to regular school days, no timetable has been set for that.

“We plan to implement the systems gradually during the school day in secondary schools, but there is no established timeline at this time. There will be direct communication with families and the community prior to using the system during the school day.

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