New weapon detection systems installed at Beaufort Co. high schools; Students adjust to new normal

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - WTOC got an inside look at the new way the Beaufort County School District is trying to keep kids safe.

The district installed weapon detection systems last week at the nine district high schools and says students are adapting to the change faster than expected, even if it has changed their morning routine.

“They have stepped up, and they have taken their part in their role in making sure that our schools are just a little bit safer every day,” Beaufort County Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez said.

Instead of just walking into school and going to class, students now must go through a weapon detection system.

THE PROCESS:

The process starts before students walk into school, when they are asked to check their backpacks for anything that could set off the devices.

Then, when someone walks through the device, it checks for weapons like a knife or gun, but it can also be set off by a kitchen utensil that may have been forgotten about in a backpack.

“We’re trying to make sure that we just eliminate those household items that are setting it off, so that we can just get the bag through to make sure nothing prohibitive is going to make it through,” Beaufort County Chief Student Service Officer, Chad Cox said.

So, if a student has a utensil in their backpack that they didn’t find while checking outside, they go to the side and take out what was setting off the device and walk back through.

ADJUSTING TO THE CHANGE:

When the system was first installed, it took students a couple of days to get used to the change, but now they have adjusted.

“We’ve seen students moving through very quickly,” Beaufort County Deputy Superintendent, Mellow Lee said. “They know what to take out now, they know what needs to go around the system, and they know how to get through.”

SAFETY AND CONVERSATION:

These systems are like what you see at concerts and sporting events across the country.

District leaders say no particular issue within the district sparked the installation, but say they are happy to have it.

“It’s just a matter of adding another layer of safety and security for our students and people in the building, so that they can focus on their learning.”

They say it not only helps with safety at the schools, but also starts some early morning conversations between students and their teachers.

“First thing in the morning is not always the most pleasant thing and time for them wanting to talk, but now it really forces that, and we have this deterrent for anyone that wants to bring something to school that isn’t supposed to be there,” Cox said.

Each district high school has four devices that are being used not only at the school, but also at athletic events.