Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) installed metal detectors at all BCPS high schools for the 2024 school year. Students and visitors entering BCPS high schools must pass through metal detectors monitored by security personnel and school staff.
The metal detector initiative is part of a broader system-wide security initiative. The initiative was implemented by the county’s revamped school board. Like other Browad safety initiatives, it falls under the shadow of the massacre at Stoneman Douglas High School.
School Entry Process
Students will not need to empty pockets or remove shoes, cellphones, keys, or metal from clothes. They will also keep bags and backpacks on. These items will not alert the system.
Some items will result in an alert and must be placed on adjacent tables to be screened by security staff. These include laptops, large eyeglass cases, musical instruments, umbrellas, and 3-ring binders.
Students who alert when passing through the metal detectors will be screened separately. Students with disabilities receive special accommodations.
Unknown Metal Detector Effectiveness
Research on the use of metal detectors in U.S. high schools reveals mixed findings regarding their effectiveness and impact on school safety and student well-being.
Metal detectors can help confiscate weapons, potentially reducing the immediate risk of violence. For instance, in New York City schools, a significant number of weapons, including firearms, stun guns, and knives , have been confiscated using metal detectors. However, according to a RAND Corporation analysis, the presence of metal detectors alone does not guarantee reduced violence or threats.
Some studies indicate that metal detectors contribute to a heightened sense of fear and a feeling of being criminalized among students. This is particularly pronounced in urban schools, although the negative impact on students’ sense of safety is somewhat less than in suburban or rural schools (IES.gov).
A study from the Education Trust suggests constant exposure to security measures like metal detectors may contribute to an environment of distrust and anxiety. This can potentially undermine the relationship between students and school staff, negatively impacting the overall school climate.
The Education Trust argues that resources might be better allocated towards other safety measures and supportive services that foster a positive school environment. These include improved mental health services, equitable discipline policies, and enhanced teacher-student relationships.
For additional information on Broward County’s newly installed metal detectors at high schools, please visit browardschools.com/metaldetectors.
