HOWARD – Pending further research and eventual board of education approval, East Knox Local Schools may seek federal grant funds that could pay up to 75% of the $450,000 cost of three Motorola Solutions Concealed Weapon Detection (CWD) units.
Mark Ames, East Knox information technology coordinator, said Motorola units are used at schools in Columbus and Cleveland and at Disney World.
According to Motorola Solutions, the system “uses advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to detect a wide range of concealed weapons and threats, such as firearms, metallic weapons and improvised explosive devices, on a visitor entering the premises.”
“The CWD is designed to allow up to 3,600 visitors to walk through one of the scanning systems per hour without having to conduct pat-downs or empty pockets, as the technology can distinguish between personal items – such as keys, coins, cell phones and more – and weapons,” Motorola said in a statement.
A real-time video of everyone passing through the scanners is projected onto color monitors. Anything the system detects as a possible weapon or threat is pinpointed in a red square so the individual could be detained, questioned and/or searched before advancing past locked interior doors.
One of the units was installed at the East Knox Junior/Senior High main entrance for demonstration purposes last week. The intent had been to invite the public to examine the unit all week long, but the lack of a key part delayed its activation until Wednesday.
“Motorola had to obtain a part from Texas which prevented operation of the unit until midweek,” Ames said. “We couldn’t keep it any longer because this particular unit is on its way to a demonstration at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. However, we plan to have it back here by late May or early June for public review.”
Superintendent Steve Larcomb was impressed by the CWD system’s capabilities. He said the parents who did see the unit had a favorable impression.
“The safety of students and staff is our priority,” Larcomb said. “Our plan would be to have three of these units, one each at the main entrance and rear entrance of the junior/senior high school, and a third at the main entrance of the elementary building.”
Larcomb said he asked Ames to explore the availability of federal grant funds.
“When we know that, and after the public has had another opportunity to see the unit in person, I would discuss the Concealed Weapon Detection system with our board and possibly seek permission to apply for the federal money,” Larcomb said.
Ames said the grant money is offered through the U.S. Department of Justice’s School Violence Prevention Program. According to the DOJ website, the program might pay up to 75% of the cost of the CWD units. The district would pay the remaining 25%.
“That appears to be the case. However, we will continue to investigate,” Larcomb said. “The $450,000 would include the purchase price of the units and three years of technology support at all three entrances.”
