Duval County Public Schools will utilize the CEIA OPENGATE weapon detection system. Installations will occur in phases over the coming months.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Walk-through weapon detection systems are coming soon to all Duval County public middle schools.
Duval County Public Schools announced Thursday that the systems are being installed as part of the school district’s ongoing commitment to providing safe and supportive learning environments.
According to DCPS, the installations will occur in phases over the coming months, with the first group of middle schools scheduled to receive the systems during the final week of January. All remaining schools are expected to receive the systems by early April.
Families will receive a notice in advance directly from their school principal prior to installation. This communication will include the school’s installation date and details about what students and families should expect.
Once installed, the systems will be used to screen students as they enter school buildings each morning. Similar to the Evolv weapon detection systems currently in place at all district high schools, DCPS said the new weapon detection systems being implemented are designed to quickly identify prohibited items while maintaining an efficient flow of entry for students.
DCPS will utilize the CEIA OPENGATE weapon detection systems, which are portable and can be used indoors or outdoors. The systems are reportedly designed to screen large numbers of people, including backpacks, and are capable of detecting a range of prohibited items, including but not limited to knives, firearms, handguns, long guns, and materials or components used to put together an explosive device.
School police officers, security personnel, and trained school-based staff will operate the systems, DCPS said. All staff involved in the screening process will receive specialized training prior to system implementation.
When entering schools, students will walk through the detection system one at a time. If an alert occurs, the student will be directed to step aside for a brief secondary screening so that the main entry line can continue moving.
DCPS said many common school items such as laptops, metal lunchboxes and umbrellas may trigger an alert.
If a weapon or illegal substance is identified, DCPS said law enforcement will immediately take possession of the item, and the individual may face consequences from law enforcement and/or the school in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
DCPS notes that while the systems are designed to allow for fast and efficient screening, minor delays may occur during the initial implementation period as students and staff become familiar with the process.