Henrico County Public Schools puts the safety of its students and staff first. Even with multifaceted safety places in place, the school division continuously explores new resources, technologies and best practices to support and maintain schools and campuses that are both secure and conducive to learning.
As part of HCPS’ ongoing security efforts, the division is enhancing the student arrival process to include weapon scanners at school campuses K-12. The scanners are similar to the ones you may see at an amusement park, concert, or large sporting event.
Understandably, students, employees and families may have questions about how the scanners work and why they are being added to safety plans now. Unfortunately, societal changes, national increases in crime involving youth and escalating student behaviors make school safety more important than ever. The decision to install scanners was made after months of research, field testing different technologies and gathering community input to support our shared goal of maintaining safe and welcoming school environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon will the weapon scanners be in place?
For security reasons, the school division is not sharing the specific dates that scanners will be installed at individual schools. However, high school students will pass through the scanners beginning on the first day of school. The equipment will be added to elementary and middle schools as it arrives from the manufacturer.
Are the scanners the same as metal detectors? The scanners are more sensitive than traditional metal detectors. That canner technology can more accurately identify metal sources that may be potentially harmful rather than sounding an alarm for all types of metal, such as coins.
What types of metal detectors are being used? The scanners, developed by a company called OpenGate, are designed to screen large numbers of people, including their backpacks, quickly and efficiently. The free-standing scanners are portable and suitable for indoor and outdoor use, making them a good choice for open-style campuses and traditional school buildings.
There will be adjustments to arrival as students become familiar with the process. Still, it is essential that the entire school community participates.
Who will pass through the detectors and what is the process? All students will pass through free-standing body scanners one at a time. Students with laptops must remove them from their backpacks and hand them to a staff member who will return the device once the student has passed through the scanner.
If the alarm sounds, the student will empty their pockets and pass through the scanner again. If the alarm continues to sound, the student will step to the side to be scanned by a trained staff member using a wand. Although the wand does not touch the person, it makes noise when it detects metal. Bags and backpacks will also be searched as needed.
Visitors to a school campus will pass through scanners at the building’s main entrance vestibule.
Who is operating the metal detectors/scanners? A team of trained administrators, school resource officers, school safety officers and members of the HCPS safety team will manage and monitor the entry process.
What if a weapon or illegal substance is found? If a weapon or illegal substance is found, police will take possession of it immediately. The person bringing the item(s) onto school property will face potential charges by police and disciplinary action by the school aligned with the HCPS Code of Student Conduct.
What resources are available to students or employees who are anxious about the metal detectors? Families are encouraged to talk with students about the addition of scanners before the start of the school year. Demonstrations will be held at secondary school Open House events and a video is available online. Elementary school principals will work with the PTA to arrange for an in-person demonstration of the devices before they are used at individual schools.
School counselors are prepared to support and assist students experiencing anxiety over new arrival procedures; employees with concerns or anxiety should speak with their supervisor or contact the Employee Assistant Program offered through the school division’s health benefits.
What if I don’t want my children to participate in the field test? To be effective, it is essential that the entire school community follow all safety protocols including arrival procedures using the scanners. If your child cannot pass through the metal detector for medical reasons, please contact the school nurse or the principal. Otherwise, the expectation is that all students will follow staff directions regarding this important safety matter.
What if a student refuses to pass through the detector/scanner? Students who refuse to go through the detector/scanner will be removed from the area and searched by an administrator and the SRO. If the students refuse this search, their parents will be called and the students will be sent home.
According to HCPS Policy (P6-04-003/ P6-04-003 R), students who refuse will not be allowed in the building and will face disciplinary action aligned with the Code of Student Conduct. Adult visitors to the school who refuse to go through the scanner will be denied entry.
What other safety measures are in place? The use of scanner technology is just one part of the school division’s multilayered safety plan. Other measures include, but are not limited to:
Technology and security equipment (cameras, sensors, alarms, web filtering, etc.);
School resource officers (SROs) and school safety officers (SSOs) at secondary schools;
School safety officers (SSOs) at the elementary level;
Site-specific emergency response plans;
Training for staff;
Emergency drills for students and employees;
Safety and security audits;
Partnerships with police and first responders;
The Anonymous Alert reporting system; and
A rapid notification system to keep families informed.