WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools are looking to enhance security measures by expanding a pilot program that uses high-tech weapons detection systems in all middle and high schools. District officials are moving closer to purchasing these new detectors, which they hope will streamline the screening process and improve safety.
Jonathan Wilson, Chief Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Officer at Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools said the goal is to implement the Opengate detection system in every middle and high school daily.
"The end goal would be that if we had Opengate, we would use it every single day at every single middle and high school," Wilson said.
The walk-through systems are designed to be more efficient at detecting weapons, and distinguishing between phones and weapons to save time for both staff and students.
"In some instances, it takes 40 staff members to run traditional metal detectors," Wilson said. "I think we could have two Opengate systems and manage 4 to 5 people once we become more efficient."
Depending on the size of the school and the number of entrances, it could require between two and five machines per school, at a cost of nearly $1.9 million. The district is looking to the community for financial support.
"I think as citizens of our county, we want our schools to be funded, and I think our county commissioners do a fantastic job trying to keep up with the demands schools place on the county," Wilson added.
A retired school resource officer expressed cautious optimism about the new systems, noting that they can improve safety if properly monitored.
"Does this more sophisticated weapons detection system work? Yes, if somebody is monitoring it; otherwise, it's just another reactive measure," said Marc Ridgill, retired Greensboro SRO officer. "So yes, a great tool. But how much resource are you willing to put toward making it a proactive tool instead of a reactive tool?
No final decision was made during Tuesday night's Board of Education meeting regarding the expansion of the program, but there is optimism that a decision will be reached soon.
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