Prince William County Public Schools Considers Adding Weapon Scanners to Keep Students Safe

Prince William County Public Schools weapon scanners Virginia schools student safety gun violence

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald Mar 01, 08:42 pm

Photo: (Photo : John Moore/Getty Images)

Due to the increasing threat of gun violence in the country, more Virginia schools are installing weapons scanners.

The Prince William County Public Schools are now implementing tighter security measures to protect and assure the safety of students.

This comes after numerous parents and guardians raised concerns about their child's safety as they attended school.

Weapon scanners at Prince William county public schools

According to WTOP, numerous reports from Virginia schools have raised concerns about firearms in classrooms, with young students reportedly bringing weapons to school.

In response, schools in Virginia are investing in weapon scanners to increase security measures and ensure the safety of students.

The Prince William County Public Schools are one such institution considering the purchase of Evolv Express detectors, which can quickly and efficiently screen individuals at school entrances without requiring the removal of items like phones from pockets or backpacks.

The scanners use advanced sensors and artificial intelligence software to detect weapons like guns and knives. If the technology identifies something resembling a weapon, an alert will be sent via a tablet to the on-site security team.

However, using such scanners comes with a hefty price tag, and the Prince William County Public Schools are looking at a $10 to $15 million investment. To help fund the initiative, the school system may seek support from the county's Board of Supervisors.

According to Anil Chitkara, the founder and chief growth officer of Evolv Technology, the system currently used in over 200 schools across the United States, although students would not have to remove items from their pockets or backpacks when passing through the scanners, Chromebook laptops may need to be removed since the hinges could appear like a weapon.

While the board is still considering the plan, using the scanners would follow the lead of Manassas City Public Schools, which recently voted to install security lanes.

Other security measures for student safety in Virginia schools

Prince William County Public Schools are acting promptly and quickly. This effort comes after one of the most talked-about school shootings in the country.

As previously reported by The New York Times, this incident in Virginia involved a 6-year-old boy who shot his first-grade teacher in front of their class.

That incident brought to light pressing and existing issues such as student safety, gun violence, legislation, school security, and many more.

Furthermore, if this implementation rolls out, all 34 middle and high school students would have to enter the school through high-tech scanners designed to detect weapons.

Vernon Bock, the COO of the school system, said on Monday at a meeting at Freedom High School that they are implementing a lot of different safety and security measures to keep everybody safe.

Parents and students want to know that when they come to school, they are safe, and they are addressing that concern.

That is why students may have to soon say hello to the Evolv Express, a type of scanner seen at major sporting events, museums, and amusement parks.

Even though the weapon scanner will not prevent gun violence 100 percent, there will be a set of weapons it is very good at detecting.

This huge capability can also greatly contribute to the present security system of an academic institution and help it prevent threats of violence.

According to NBC Washington, Book also elaborated on other upgrades, including the school districts investing in better surveillance technology, training, uniformed security, and school resource officers.