A new, high-tech weapons detection system will be in use at every middle and high school in the Tuscaloosa County School System when students return to class next week.

It's hard to believe summer break has come and gone, but classes begin at TCSS schools next Thursday, August 8th. When they do, students at all intermediate, middle, and high schools will find the new OpenGate Weapons Detection System in daily use at entrances.

In a Monday press release, Superintendent Keri C. Johnson said the sleek security systems were funded through a grant from the Alabama Lieutenant Governor's Office.

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"If you have attended a concert or sporting event in recent years, you have likely seen this system," she explained. "Two freestanding pillars quickly screen people with bags, backpacks, and purses. The design detects metal objects that match pre-programmed characteristics. It is programmed to distinguish between everyday items and weapons. The OpenGate system is already in use at many schools across the country."

The scan penetrates bags, backpacks and purses without removing them, and students should be able to pass quickly through the screening with keys, sunglasses, electronic devices, belts, watches, coins and more without setting off a false alarm.

An abnormal reading could indicate the presence of a firearm, knife or other prohibited item, and will trigger audio and visual alerts and further inspection will take place.

Any bags or backpacks will be removed and set aside, and the student will walk through the scanner again. If the person then reads clear, the bag may be searched further. If they trigger another alarm, the student may be scanned with a handheld unit to determine the cause of the alert.

"The systems will not yet be in our elementary schools, but we plan to add them as soon as possible, through future grant funding," Johnson said.

The lightweight, portable units can be easily moved and used as needed, including at athletics events and open houses at schools.

"Our community can also expect to see the OpenGate technology at our sporting events this year," said Stacy Lawler, coordinator of athletics for TCSS. "We're already used to seeing these types of safety measures at college sporting events and large public gatherings, and it's important that we use the same type of technology to support our safety in our system."

Johnson asked for patience from parents as TCSS rolls out the new system across six high schools and nine middle schools, but said these new measures are only to ensure the safest possible learning environment for the 19,000 students in the system.

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