Weapons detection system viewed as another layer to protect students
Weapons detection systems are up and running at Fannin County High School.
They were also scheduled to make their debut at the middle school yesterday, August 12, and go into operation at the elementary schools August 14.
School Superintendent Shannon Dillard said Friday, the new procedure “went really well” at the high school that morning, noting that “everyone was in in time.”
Dillard said the system, combined with clear or mesh backpacks, make it easier for officials to confirm a threat if the system alerts of an issue inside the bag.
The backpacks reduce the need for emptying out contents, Dillard said, and officials are able to see right away what it is the system might have identified as a threat.
Students are also required to go through the weapons detection system between class changes as students go to and from different buildings.
Senior Chief Operations Officer Darren Danner emphasized at a past Board of Education meeting that the system is not a metal detector.
In a letter sent out to parents and guardians July 28, Dillard said the “system uses advanced sensor technology and Artificial Intelligence to discreetly detect concealed weapons.”
She also said, “Our comprehensive approach to school safety creates a framework of overlapping layers, each working together to provide peace of mind and protection, ensuring our community remains a secure place to learn and grow.”
Fannin County Deputy Sheriff Captain Darvin Couch spoke to the importance of the weapons detection system saying, “If our goal is truly to protect our kids, then shouldn’t we use every layer of protection we can? The weapons system creates a substantial element in our layers of protection. ”
Another layer to security is the edition of CheckMate Pro, a system that allows officials to “quickly” scan licenses to check the Georgia Sex Offender Registry.
That system also prints name badges and provides a report showing who is in the building.