Searches to continue through school year at various campuses.
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Nearly 20 minutes after classes started on Friday, Feb. 7, a long line of students are waiting to get into Beaumont ISD’s West Brook High School, where it’s the first day of a pilot program to utilize metal detectors to scan students entering the campus.
FROM BISD on Tuesday, Feb. 11: Beaumont ISD began piloting metal detectors at our high schools last week beginning with West Brook High School in an effort to enhance safety procedures. The purpose is to determine what issues would arise and what resources would be necessary if a full implementation is considered.
“We have been very pleased at the process,” said Dr. Shannon Allen Superintendent of Schools. “While there have been small delays and growing pains, overall the process has been well received and is going rather smoothly.”
“We are all learning together,” said Allen. “The students have been very cooperative and we are glad to report that no weapons have been confiscated. The processes are keeping our students safe and we will continue to analyze through future pilots what resources may be needed if we decide to implement on a permanent basis.”
Students should expect to continue the same procedures of walking through the upright detectors, wanding and bag searches with any future pilots. Students are reminded that any and all items that are prohibited in the student handbook which can be found at www.bmtisd.com will be confiscated and discarded.
“We want to thank our students, staff and parents for cooperating with the district as we determine the feasibility of implementing this measure on a greater scale,” said Chief Joseph Malborough.
The pilot program will continue throughout the rest of the semester and will be piloted at the various campuses intermittently.
(END STATEMENT)
Previous reporting:
Beaumont ISD’s West Brook High School will pilot a program to use metal detectors to scan students as they enter the campus beginning Friday, Feb. 7.
According to information from the school district, the introduction of metal detectors to West Brook is not due to any potential threat, rather a “continuation of commitment to the safety and security of our students.”
Further information from the district insists that the metal detectors are a “proactive measure.”
Officials ask that students and parents “bear with us and work with staff” as they work out the kinks through what is anticipated to be “a little inconvenient” in the beginning.
Information from the school district reports that the preventative security system will be used until at least Tuesday, Feb. 11, when the decision of whether or not to continue use will be re-evaluated.