It's time to implement measures to counteract violence in our schools - metal detectors, as a minimum, should be implemented in Texas and across the U.S. The multitude of tragic mass shootings in our schools has to STOP - how do we as a community come together to grab the attention of our State Representatives to implement these measures in our schools, ASAP. We are tired of just talk - we want ACTION!

Are Metal Detectors Effective in School?

Metal detector programs have proven effective in some large, urban districts.

Eric Weston, chief of police for Boston Public Schools credits metal detectors with keeping firearms out of the schools almost entirely and reducing the number of knives and other weapons in the school building. “[Metal detectors] changed things,” he said. “I would definitely advocate for it.”

Recent New York Police Department data showed metal detectors significantly cut down the number of box cutters, knives and guns that were smuggled into the city’s public schools. (https://www.tssbulletproof.com/blog/metal-detector)

Are Metal Detectors a Cure-All?

No security measure offers a 100-percent safety guarantee. So as you look at the feasibility of a metal detector program for your schools, consider how this one tool will fit into a larger security plan and be sure to manage expectations among students, staff and the community.

The most effective school safety plans involve close collaboration with local law enforcement, foster open communication between students and faculty, and emphasize proper training for all stakeholders.

Metal detector programs can reduce the risk of weapons-related violence for certain schools, but they can’t operate in a vacuum. You need to look at a variety of elements as you formulate a comprehensive security plan:

• Secure, locked entryways
• Bullet-resistant doors and/or windows at main entrances
• Security cameras in key campus locations
• Policies for reporting suspicious activity, using ID cards to gain entrance, etc.
• Active-shooter incident training for staff, possibly students
• Lock-down drills for students and faculty
• Utilization of school resource officers to manage security and build relationships
• Communications plans for reporting training exercises, incidents and other key information to the community

What can YOU Do?

It's time! Time to make changes to protect our children, time to increase safety procedures in our schools to prevent these mass shootings. Metal Detectors and security are just a START... don't just sit there and do NOTHING... sign the petition NOW and contact your State Representative to implement #MetalDetect2Protect Programs in schools.

Thank you,

Kristie Brown

League City, TX

(Information and statistics was gathered from https://www.tssbulletproof.com/blog/metal-detector)