Liberty County schools implement weapon detection systems at all middle and high schools

LIBERTY COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) -  A new safety measure is in effect in Liberty County schools.

Students and staff will now be required to go through a weapons detection system.

WTOC got a first glance at how this system will work.

For the first time students and staff in Liberty County walked through new OpenGate weapon detection devices.

School officials told us this is a proactive approach to keep students safe.

It’s a $491,000 investment, funded by ESPLOST for Elementary, Middle and High Schools across the county.

It’s students like Leighum White who told us it reminded her of a concert.

Some students compared it to an airport.

She says while it makes her feel safer, she never thought she’d have to go through a device like this at school.

“Although it’s for safety, it is kind of sad that we do have to have it but I mean in this time, it’s just anything to protect the kids,” said White.

Lines of students at Liberty County High transitioned from the normal backpack checks and wand system to the Open Gate system, meant to detect weapons.

“I definitely think that it’s better for our school. It’s definitely more efficient than looking through bookbags every day. We had people late to class because of the long lines and everything so I definitely think that it’s really efficient,” said White.

This rollout comes about two months after a student was found with a gun on campus at Bradwell Institute, another high school in the county.

SEE: Weapon confiscated at Liberty County school, student in custody

Interim Principal Toriano Gilbert says it’s necessary to get ahead of future challenges.

“This is a proactive approach that our school system is taking just to make sure that all of our students and our faculty and staff are safe here at Liberty County High School,” said Gilbert.

We also asked about any future safety protocols for students that the district may be looking at.

They say starting next week clear backpacks will be required for sporting events.

They’ll also be looking at those backpacks for next school year.