How soon will the weapons detection system be in place?

As part of the ongoing commitment to strengthening layered safety and security programs, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will continue to phase in a weapons detection system at all secondary schools this fall. 

Are the weapons detection scanners the same as metal detectors? The weapons detection scanners are more sensitive than traditional metal detectors. The technology in the system can more accurately identify metal sources that may be potentially harmful rather than sounding an alarm for all types of metal, such as coins.

What types of weapons detectors are being used? The scanners, developed by a company called CEIA and called OpenGate, are designed to screen large numbers of people, including their backpacks, quickly and efficiently. The free-standing scanners are portable and suitable for indoor and outdoor use, making them a good choice for open-style campuses and traditional school buildings.

Who is operating the metal detectors/scanners? School-based staff and security personnel will manage and monitor the entry process.  Designated staff will receive specific training on how to operate the safety screening technology, resolve false alerts, determine the need for and conduct secondary screenings, and the protocols to follow if a prohibited item is found.

Who will pass through the detectors and what is the process? Students will pass through free-standing body scanners one at a time. Laptops will be removed from bags and handed to a staff member who will return it on the other side of the scanner. If the alarm sounds, students will step to the side for a secondary screening to determine the cause of the alarm.

What is secondary screening and when does it happen?

If the system alerts as a student passes through (an alert will be denoted by an audible sound and red lights at the top of the OpenGate), operators will direct the student to another nearby area, away from the primary screening lanes, to conduct a secondary screening. This allows the OpenGate lanes to process students more rapidly.

Please be aware that OpenGate may alert on numerous items that are entirely permissible in schools, like 3-ring binders, laptops, metal eyeglass cases, umbrellas, and metal lunchboxes or pencil cases. The purpose of secondary screening is to determine the reason for the alert. Secondary screening will first attempt to determine if the alert is originating from a permissible item, and whether the alerted item is on the student or carried in their backpack or bag.  Additional levels of screening may be necessary to include using a handheld device or conducting a search of their backpack or bag.

Who conducts the secondary screening?

Secondary screenings are conducted by school security, administrators, and other designated staff who have been trained to manage these situations. Discretion, respect, and professionalism will be demonstrated to ensure the privacy and dignity of the individuals while prioritizing safety and security.

Will safety screening technology slow the entry process?

These systems are designed to provide fast and efficient screening of multiple people at the same time, allowing for a natural flow of entry. During the initial implementation, some delays may be experienced; however, the goal is to minimize any potential disruptions to the entry process.

How sensitive will the settings be on the safety screening technology system?

Sensitivity settings will be decided by FCPS, with careful consideration of the Division’s specific needs and requirements to ensure an optimal balance between maintaining security and minimizing false alerts.

Sensitivity levels may be increased for an added layer of safety and to enhance the system’s ability to detect weapons and other prohibited items, as well as provide additional peace of mind for the school community.

What kind of things does the safety screening technology detect?

The safety screening technology can detect assorted items, including but not limited to knives, firearms, handguns, long guns, and materials and components used to construct an explosive device.

What if a weapon or illegal substance is found? If a weapon or illegal substance is found, police will take possession of it immediately. The person bringing the item(s) onto school property may face potential charges by police and disciplinary action by the school aligned with the FCPS Student’s Rights and Responsibilities.

What resources are available to students or employees who are anxious about the metal detectors? Families are encouraged to talk with students about the use of weapons detection scanners.  School counselors are prepared to support and assist students experiencing anxiety over these arrival procedures. Employees with concerns or anxiety should speak with their supervisor or contact the Employee Assistance Program.

What if I don’t want my children to participate in weapons detection screening? To be effective, it is essential that the entire school community follow all safety protocols including arrival procedures using the scanners. If your child cannot pass through the metal detector for medical reasons, please contact the school nurse or the principal. Otherwise, the expectation is that all students will follow staff directions regarding this important safety procedure.

What if a student refuses to pass through the detector/scanner? If a student refuses to pass through the scanner, the parent will be called, and the student will be sent home.

Are the detectors safe, do they give off radiation like an X-ray machine?

OpenGate technology provides advanced weapon detection without the use of harmful radiation. Unlike traditional X-ray systems that rely on ionizing radiation, OpenGate uses safe, low-frequency electromagnetic fields to detect concealed weapons as individuals walk through the system. This dynamic, non-contact approach ensures that the screening process is completely safe for all individuals, including children, pregnant women, and those with pacemakers or other medical devices. 

Does everyone visiting a middle school or high school have to go through the detector/scanner? Everyone who visits a middle or high school and plans to go beyond the front office and into the school will need to pass through the scanner. It is recommended that school visitors follow the same guidance as students regarding prohibited items that should not be brought to school.