* Publisher’s Note: Story provided to our readers using information first published 2/18/24 on Sun-Sentinel.com; This is an evolving story. Check back for updates, including comments from our own students and staff.
Broward Schools intends to install walk-through metal detectors at ten high schools, which are yet to be named, next year.
However, students need not fear a stressful TSA-like experience involving the removal of all metal items and pat-downs. District officials assure that these detectors are designed with artificial intelligence to differentiate between everyday items like cellphones and keys, and prohibited items like firearms and knives, without requiring students to remove their backpacks.
Like Checking Out A Library Book
Broward School District Superintendent Peter Licata described the process as a quick walk-through, likening it to leaving a library with an unchecked book. The district is currently reviewing bids, with the School Board expected to vote on a contract in April, according to district administrator Judith Marte.
Debate On Both Sides
The idea of using metal detectors has been a topic of debate in the district, especially following the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.
Since then, the district has implemented several security enhancements, such as increasing the number of armed officers, restricting visitor access, and mandating ID badges for all students.
While the district previously hesitated to require all students to pass through metal detectors, citing cost, potential long lines, and a false sense of security.
Smooth Roll-Out In Palm Beach
Licata, who assumed his role in August, expressed optimism based on a successful pilot in Palm Beach County, where he had previously worked for most of his career.
The program in Palm Beach County, which started with four high schools last summer and expanded to eight by February, has not been overly intrusive, according to students. They can keep their cellphones and keys without being stopped, although items like laptops, electronic tablets, large three-ring binders, umbrellas, and certain metal water bottles must be removed.
It’s Working At Boynton Beach High School
At Boynton Beach High, which received metal detectors in February, the entry process appeared efficient, with students passing through in about a second. Only a few students triggered the alarm, and subsequent bag searches revealed no problematic items.
More Staff Needed?
Despite the success seen in Palm Beach County, some remain skeptical about the efficiency of metal detectors in larger schools like Stoneman Douglas. Aisha Hashmi, a senior at Stoneman Douglas, questioned whether the school has the necessary staff to handle the volume of students passing through detectors, especially considering the number of affluent students who bring tablets and laptops daily.
Safety Wins Out
Despite differing opinions on their effectiveness, the use of metal detectors in schools continues to gain popularity, driven partly by pressure from parents and communities to enhance security measures.
This sentiment was echoed at a Broward School Board meeting in January, where board member Brenda Fam expressed support for metal detectors, citing a disconnect between the board and parents regarding safety priorities.
