Hancock County Schools look at new security options
Trending
NEW CUMBERLAND -- Hancock County Schools are looking into the possibility of updating some of its security measures, with the school board receiving a demonstration Monday on some potential equipment.
Deputy First Class Brian Cunningham approached the board with a recommendation for the Opengate System produced by CEIA USA.
"It is a weapons detection system I would like to see in every school in Hancock County," Cunningham said.
Cunningham brought the idea to the school board after attending a recent conference.
Aaron Blevins, an application engineer from CEIA, was on hand, providing an almost-hour-long presentation on the system.
"I would come in and work with you as much or as little as you want," Blevins said.
According to Blevins, CEIA has been in operation for more than 55 years, with systems in 119 school districts across the country, as well as at Universal Studios and Walt Disney theme parks, Kings Island and other amusement parks, several Division I universities and various professional sports facilities. Their systems have been used by the U.S. Secret Service since 1988, and currently are in use by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration's pre-check program in all U.S. airports.
"This is the world we live in now," Blevins said, also encouraging the board of education to look into other systems on the market before making a decision.
The Opengate System is wireless and can be controlled through designated tablets, smartphones or other devices, with Blevins explaining those devices would be under full control of the school district. The sensitivity of the system can be established and adjusted by the school system, based on whether they are looking for particular items or if officials feel a credible threat has been received. Settings can even be different at individual schools, based on needs.
"You can dial in an exact setting that makes sense for Hancock County," he said.
Board member Gerard Spencer, a sergeant with the Weirton Police Department, asked about potential limitations, with Blevins admitting the system won't pick up everything, depending on the material used on the item or its size, but it will get most.
Blevins noted the schools will still want established security officials and law enforcement, such as the on-site prevention resource officers, to be involved.
Board member Larry Shaw asked about students attending the John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center who are required to bring certain tools into the facility. Blevins said policies will need to be established for those students.
Spencer also asked if it would be possible to arrange for an active demonstration, such as during a basketball game, to see how the system can handle the crowds. Shaw recommended doing one at Weir and one at Oak Glen.
No decisions were made on the system, or any other potential systems, during Monday's meeting.