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New Security Measures at Chatham County Schools
Monday, Sep 10, 2007 - 05:36 PM Updated: 04:35 PM
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Save This PageSome of the lessons learned from school shootings like the Virginia Tech and Columbine tragedies have influenced new security measures at many Chatham County schools.
Money from the one cent sales tax for education, E-SPLOST, is paying for increased security at the district's schools; things like security cameras and new fences.
3 On Your Side Education Reporter Randi Hempel shows us, there's another tool to keep kids safe and it's portable.
20 of these new, portable metal detectors are now at the district's middle and high schools.
"It breaks down to 3 sections the base and then 1, 2, 3." Explains Chief Ulysses Bryant of the Campus Police Department.
The top snaps on and off.
"It folds up to a stack about so high and you can roll it right on out and take it where you've got to go with it." Continues Chief Bryant.
Making it easy to take anywhere.
“Say if we've got a basketball game or something or an event that we're concerned about safety, you know one of the people bringing in weapons or what have you, then we can place it at every door at the gym." Says Bryant.
“How much easier is this going to be for personnel at the school?” I ask.
“It will simplify the process because it's very much like the airport.” Explains Bryant.
Chief Bryant says this is much better than the handheld devices.
“It takes a little more technical training with the handheld having people to spread and knowing what to scan especially when you get down to the floor and you've got those metal rods running through the concrete.” Adds Bryant.
Instead of detecting those rods, the walk through will pick up weapons. It’s one more way of keeping everyone safe at school.
The price tag for the portable metal detectors is about $4,000 each.
For more on how ESPLOST money is going to be spent, click here for a link to the school district’s website.