In the last two decades, weapon use and violence has been at an all time high in America.
This is partially due to larger populations and more people to keep track of. This being said, gun violence has become a large problem for schools across the nation.
The mere presence of metal detectors can invoke fear in those who want to hurt others. Fear of detection is the same reason why most criminals would never bring a weapon on a plane, for example. Schools can work similarly to an airport just less crowded and without all of the stress. Students should not be forced to worry about violence in places like school.
Metal detectors are decently advanced technology that can change school safety forever. Sure, metal detectors are expensive and time consuming to use but it is worth it if schools can resort back to being safe zones for children. School is a place for learning and students should not have to fear anything more severe than a large exam.
Most of all, students who are aware of metal detectors at their schools feel safer. According to the article “Metal detectors in schools: Pros and cons” by Dianna Mendez, 87% percent of parents believe metal detectors are a must. Students with metal detectors present at their schools are less likely to be worried about unwanted violence. Metal detectors are beneficial to schools. Hopefully, in the near future schools will install these needed machines.
Profiling doesn’t work
Don’t wait for a student to make a threat, because most attacks were not preceded by explicit threats.
Responding aggressively to bullying, often a motive behind the attacks.
Develop crisis plans that focus on preventing violence, not just responding to it, and develop connections to the police department and first responders as well as mental health departments and community groups.
Avoid profiling, or looking for a certain “type” of student who might commit an attack, because the attackers have been racially diverse, and had different family backgrounds, social standing and school achievement records. Too many innocent students will fit a profile, and too many attackers will not. (Most of the attackers, but not all, have been male, but that doesn’t narrow down the population much.)
Don’t wait for a student to make a threat, because most attacks were not preceded by explicit threats.
Speak To An Expert
Develop crisis plans that focus on preventing violence, not just responding to it, and develop connections to the police department and first responders as well as mental health departments and community groups.
Avoid profiling, or looking for a certain “type” of student who might commit an attack, because the attackers have been racially diverse, and had different family backgrounds, social standing and school achievement records. Too many innocent students will fit a profile, and too many attackers will not. (Most of the attackers, but not all, have been male, but that doesn’t narrow down the population much.)
“The thrust of our recommendations is not that metal detectors and the like are irrelevant,” one of the researchers, psychologist Randy Borum of the University of South Florida, said Monday. “They’re target-hardening. But they’re insufficient.”
Risk Reduction Tool
Using metal detectors at the main entrances of schools generally serves to reduce the risk of students, staff or any other visitor entering the premises with a gun, knife, bomb or other dangerous metallic object.
Metal detectors may either be handheld or stationary and people are required either to walk through them or to submit themselves to a search before being allowed to enter the school. The physical security measure works effectively when the school closes off other entrances so that there is only one way in or out.
According to National School Safety and Security Services, metal detectors may be a necessary tool in school districts with a history of chronic weapons issues and related violence such as shootings.
Best Practice
Schools need to take all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of students and staff. And according to Hanover Research, installing metal detectors is a form of best practice that allows the school management to be confident that it has done all it can to discharge its duty.
Installing metal detectors gives students and staff a measure of psychological assurance that the school is safe because every person has to be cleared through the entrance.
Detectors also serve as a form of deterrent because visitors to the school know they will be searched and may think twice about carrying a weapon or other dangerous object into the premises.
