K-12 Security: A Case Study of Security Implementation

Since January 1999, the U.S. has faced over 140 school shootings, impacting schools from elementary to university levels across at least 43 states. Each year, there are approximately 5 shootings per year, spanning the U.S. Some of these tragic incidents include:

• Columbine (1999): 13 killed; sparked national discussions on safety and gun laws.
• Virginia Tech (2007): 32 killed; led to campus security reforms.
• Sandy Hook (2012): 26 killed; reignited gun control debates.
• Parkland (2018): 17 killed; catalyzed the March for Our Lives movement.
• Robb Elementary (2022): 21 killed; raised scrutiny of law enforcement responses.

These events have raised concerns about safety in schools, prompting many districts to implement metal detection as a deterrent against security risks on their school campuses. This has increased the number of campuses focusing on students' physical safety on school grounds.

Metal detectors, especially walk-through detectors, are an effective way to identify concealed metal objects, such as weapons. While some may claim metal detectors do not identify many weapons, these reports often overlook the fact that detectors also serve as a deterrent. The use of security detectors in schools has continued to rise - between 2001 and 2019, students have reported an increase from 8.7% to 11.9% of security measures that include metal detectors.

Some parents and administrators worry that metal detectors may create a negative perception of safety in schools. Costs related to installation, staffing also present challenges and negative impacts on student attendance, but the need for security in light of recent tragedies has made their adoption more compelling. Ultimately, the decision to implement metal detectors should consider the unique circumstances of each school community, balancing safety needs with community perceptions and the training available to maximize the security protocols effectiveness.

Nevertheless, one question for administrators: how difficult is the implementation? Recently, Garrett performed a case study entitled, "Metal Detector Implementation in K-12 Educational Facilities". We summarize that case study below.

Overview of Implementing Walk-Through Metal Detectors in K-12 Schools: A Comprehensive Case Study

Some districts are taking proactive steps to enhance security. One district took decisive action to safeguard its students and staff. Although the district already followed stringent security protocols, an incident at another school prompted them to reassess their security plan, especially at entry points.

Implementation Plan

The administration developed a plan focusing on increasing perimeter security. Some of the objectives included:

• Limiting open access to controlled entrances only.
• Installing remotely activated locks, alarms, and cameras at other access points.
• Introducing walk-through metal detectors at each open entrance, staffed by trained security personnel.

The district worked with Garrett Metal Detectors to design a solution for each school in the district. Garrett recommended a combination of walk-through metal detectors, hand-held scanners and specific placement strategies. The district customized these recommendations based on the unique layout and security needs of their facilities.

Budget Considerations

Each walk-through metal detector cost between $3,500 and $4,000. The high school, with 1,500 students, required nine detectors. In total, the district installed 19 detectors across four campuses. The school also hired additional security personnel, raising the total yearly cost to approximately $500,000.

Installation, Training, and Community Engagement

Installation of the 19 detectors took only a day, and Garrett provided thorough training for school personnel and law enforcement on equipment usage (a service that is available if you buy several walk-through detectors from MetalDetector.com). The district also held community meetings to inform parents and students about the new procedures. To speed up the screening process, the district introduced an “Ideal Backpack™” initiative, encouraging parents to buy non-metallic school supplies.

Post-Alarm Screening

When a student triggered an alarm, they underwent post-alarm screening to identify the source. The district employed two methods for this process:

1. Second Pass Method: Students were asked to remove metallic items and pass through the detector again. If the alarm persisted, they were directed to secondary screening with a hand-held scanner.
2. Hand-Held Screening Method: In high-traffic situations, students were sent directly to the hand-held scanner screening area to reduce checkpoint congestion.

Staffing the Checkpoints

To manage the flow and ensure efficiency, the district implemented the following staffing roles at each checkpoint:

1. Pacer: Positioned at the entrance, ensuring orderly student movement and preparation for screening.
2. Bag Check Personnel: Conducted thorough checks of bags before students passed through the metal detectors.
3. Screener: Monitored the metal detectors and handled post-alarm screenings.
4. Law Enforcement Officer: Stationed at each checkpoint to manage uncooperative students and handle any illegal items.

The high school’s main entrance was fitted with four walk-through detectors, staffed by a pacer, bag check personnel, screener pairs, and a law enforcement officer. In middle schools, similar setups were used, while elementary schools only screened adult visitors with fewer staff.

Efficiency Improvements and First Day Operations

Garrett recommended having experienced personnel on-site for the first few days to smooth out the implementation process. The district suspended tardiness penalties for the first week to avoid frustration during the transition. By Day 3, the system saw significant improvements. Rescan rates meaningfully dropped from 80% on Day 1 to 37% by Day 3, illustrating how brief the adjustment period is. Eventually, the time taken to clear all students through the checkpoints decreased from 7:40 AM to 7:07 AM by Day 3. These rescan rates continued to decline, and students were able to ensure they arrived at their first class on time. Parents and students alike reported feeling safer with the new security measures in place.

Conclusion

This case study illustrates the effectiveness of walk-through metal detectors as part of a comprehensive security strategy in K-12 schools. The district improved their perimeter security achieving several of these goals. This not only improved school security but also eased community concerns. This case study may not be the extent to the costs and detectors your school may need, but hopefully it serves as a quality starting point to think through your security plan. 

Metal Detector is an authorized dealer of Garrett Security Detectors. Please contact us if you have questions or particular requests that we may be able to assist you with to fulfill your security needs. Check out our collection of security detectors and security accessories.