The Hempfield Area School District is set to ramp up its security measures with the installation of six weapon detectors across its nine school buildings. These new devices are a reactive measure to an alarming incident last year where three students were reportedly caught exchanging guns on campus and on a school bus., WPXI reported.
Parents and alumni of the district have expressed support for the increased security. Caroline Pettinato, a parent, told WPXI, “I think it’s a good idea,” Mapes said. “They need to be keeping the children safe, the best way to do that is know what’s coming in the school and know who’s coming in the school.”
Despite the perceived benefits, there is skepticism regarding the efficacy of these detectors in preventing weapons from making their way onto school premises. Dr. Kenneth Trump, president of National School Skill Safety and Security Services, described these tools as providing an "emotional security blanket" and solving "political and school community relations problems," according to CBS News.
The financial commitment to this initiative is significant, with the weapon detectors' cost exceeding $100,000. Still, the district appears to be steadfast in its resolve, with new superintendent Mark Holtzman indicating plans to transition from random screenings to daily checks. Support from parents like Stangroom, who told CBS News, "I’m OK with that. The only people who wouldn’t be are the people that are doing something wrong." The detectors are expected to be fully operational by the start of the new school year, to preempt any further gun-related incidents on school grounds.
