Are metal detectors needed in schools?
By: Marquel Sennet
Updated: December 18, 2012
Are metal
detectors an essential tool needed to protect students against violence? Between Bossier and Caddo Parishes there's
only one public school with walk through metal detectors. The security device was installed a year ago
at Charlotte Mitchell Educational Center in Bossier City.
The
detector was put in the school after a student brought a gun on campus. It takes about 30 minutes for every student
to walk through the detectors. The
school's principal believes a lot more campuses across the country will put in
similar measures.
Charlotte Mitchell only has around 150 students. Bossier Parish Schools spokesperson Sonja Bailes doesn't envision this being a standard for every campus. Bailes says another metal detector is available if principals believe it's needed.
School Resource Officers at Bossier Parish Schools have portable detectors. All Caddo public middle and high schools also have hand held detectors.
There aren't any campuses within the Texarkana, Texas Independent School District with walk through metal detectors. However they are used at the district's football stadium. They also utilize 14 hand held devices.
