Weapon Detection System, Metal Detectors, and K-9 Approved for Stephens County Schools

At its September regular meeting, the Stephens County Board of Education (BOE) approved a proposal to install weapon detectors and metal detectors at all schools in the Stephens County School System and approved the purchase of a police detection dog or K-9.

School Superintendent Dr. Connie Franklin spoke to board members and citizens attending the meeting, talking of the shooting at Apalachee High School and introducing Barrow County Schools Chief of Staff Dr. Matt Thompson, who attended Tuesday’s meeting but did not speak. Franklin also talked of existing security measures in the Stephens County School system.

Assistant Superintendent John Stith provided details about the specific system that was being recommended to the board, talking about both the weapon detectors and the more traditional metal detectors, ​​saying “There is a difference between a metal detector and a weapon detection system. Metal detectors will expose metallic objects, and they typically have a limited weapon detection range. A weapon detection system uses advanced digital software to expose a broader range of both metallic and non-metallic threats. The system we are purchasing is the OPENGATE™ wireless, portable, and lightweight system that can be easily installed and moved to other locations, such as athletic events, easily.”

The cost to purchase, install, and provide training for 16 weapon detectors from Communications Technologies Inc. is $288,722.24, plus a five percent contingency, with funding through the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST).

The cost to purchase, install, and train on the usage of five metal detectors from Shelsky Metal Detectors Sales and Service is $23,935, plus a five percent contingency, and will also be funded through ESPLOST.

Once purchased, the goal is for the weapons detection systems to be operational by November 2024.

The BOE also approved the purchase of a full-time K-9 or police detection dog and all necessary supplies from Custom Canine Unlimited in the amount of $16,947.76 to be funded from the Stephens County School System’s general operating budget. The Sheriff’s Office will provide Officer Kent with a patrol car equipped to transport the detection dog. Once the K-9 is trained, his main job will be to detect for vapes, drugs, and firearms. 

WNEG News spoke with School Resource Officer Paul Kent following the meeting, and WNEG will be working on a special report to introduce the new K-9 dog and follow along on his training and introduction to the school and community once the best dog is selected. 

Franklin added, “It’s unfortunate we have to install the weapon and metal detectors and have a K-9 presence in our schools. Once operational, we feel like students and employees will quickly get used to them being a part of their school day. It’s common in large public places like airports, concerts, and professional sports stadiums to go through these detectors or see a K-9 patrolling. They’ve become a necessity for increased safety, and we want to create a safe environment for our students to learn and grow.”

WNEG News will include photos and data for the detection systems from the presentation last night to this story on wnegradio.com by end of day today, and will provide updates on the security improvements as the work progresses.