Safe Schools

When students enter the school at the designated entry points, they will immediately see the weapons detection system. Students will hand their laptops and other large metal items to a staff member and walk through the detector at a normal pace. If no potential threats are detected, a green light will remain on. The staff member will return the students' laptop back to them, and the students will proceed to class. 

The weapons detection systems that are being tested are similar to those used at ballparks, concert halls, courthouses, and other educational facilities. 

Palm Harbor University High School and Gibbs High School were chosen as pilot locations because of the size of their campuses and the number of students and staff at each site. 

Yes. Vendor representatives and the district safety and security team trained district and school-based administrators and staff. The safety and security team also conducted multiple site visits at the pilot schools to ensure the plans reflected current school procedures. 

Additionally, the principals of both pilot schools also visited schools in Manatee and Sarasota counties that have implemented weapons detection systems to ensure that questions from a school perspective were thoroughly addressed.  

Students will walk through the detector with their band instruments. The system is designed to recognize weapons that may be contained within an instrument case or other bag. The detector can distinguish between a potential weapon and items like phones, keys, or other personal belongings. 

Students who refuse to walk through the screening area or a search may be subject to disciplinary action, consistent with the guidelines outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. Any visitors or others who refuse screening or search will not be permitted on school district property. 

Yes.  Federal and state law, and School Board Policy 5500.02 Code of Conduct-Student Rights, Searches and Seizure, allow school authorities to search a student and/or the student’s personal effects in the student’s possession (such as purses, wallets, clothing, backpacks, book bags, lunch boxes, etc.) when there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the search will produce evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the PCS Student Code of Conduct or state law.  In addition, mass administrative searches, such as weapons detection systems or random K-9 searches, can be used in schools without individualized suspicion for school-wide safety purposes.

Yes.  Security screenings will take place at random public events such as concerts, plays, football games, etc. 

No. The combination of sensors and artificial intelligence focuses on distinguishing a weapon from personal items. If the system detects a potential threat, it alarms, and the potential threat is examined. If the system does not detect a potential threat, it will not alarm, and the individual will walk right through. The system evaluates the items passing through, not the people. 

Yes. The system uses extremely low-frequency radio waves (ELF) and a non-ionizing sensing modality. This complies with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 2019 guidance for safe operation with the general public. The guidance applies to regular/occupational as well as infrequent exposure. There are minor considerations for people with implanted medical devices and those who may be pregnant. 

Initial testing shows that the weapons detection screening poses little to no risk to pregnant women. If a pregnant woman feels uncomfortable going through the screening system, she will be directed to a secondary screening area. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidance on Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) and walk-through metal detectors, visitors with implantable or wearable medical devices are advised to consult their device manufacturer or physician for information specific to their device. An alternative screening method is recommended for anyone with safety concerns. Please discuss this with the staff on site.