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Weapons detection system FAQ
Expand each + below for answers to FAQ about the OpenGate Weapons Detection System.
ABOUT THE weapons detection SYSTEM
On January 9, 2025, the Barrow County Board of Education approved the purchase and implementation of the OpenGate Weapons Detection System at the county’s three high schools. On Feb. 4, district leaders announced the devices will also be implemented at the county's middle schools. These devices are another layer to the current security and safety measures at BCSS facilities.
BCSS leaders visited schools already using the devices, conducted research, and heard from our public safety experts concerning detection systems. These detectors use advanced sensors and imaging technology, reducing false alarms and ensuring a higher level of detection accuracy. They are portable and can be used at multiple locations and events.
These detectors use advanced sensors and imaging technology, reducing false alarms and ensuring a higher level of detection accuracy. They are portable and can be used at multiple locations and events.
Students, staff, and visitors will walk through two towers. If the towers turn green, the person can keep moving. If the system detects an item that could be a safety risk, the tower will beep and show a red light. The person would then step aside for secondary screening.
See below for videos of what to expect:
Trained school staff will conduct the screening process.
The person will go through a secondary screening where a staff member will examine the backpack and other belongings to determine what activated the alert. A hand-held metal detector may also be used.
Regulation JCD-R(2) outlines Barrow County School System’s approach to student searches. We are updating our regulations and procedures to incorporate this new technology.
ABOUT the process/What is detected
Everyone who enters a Barrow County School System high school or middle school should expect to be screened.
Everyone should expect to be screened unless staff members have pre-determined the person is unable to participate in the screening due to their disability.
Chromebooks, laptops, metal water bottles, umbrellas, and the metal spines of large notebooks may alert the detector. We are asking that all laptops and/or Chromebooks be handed to a staff member standing outside of the device and will be handed the items back once the person passes through.
Yes. Knives are included in the list of safety risks the system is capable of detecting.
The system is capable of detecting vapes and similar devices.
It will vary. We encourage students to arrive 15 minutes earlier than usual to get used to the process. Many districts say the entry time lessens each day as staff and students become acquainted with the process.
Yes. The system is portable and will be used at school events on campus.
health/privacy concerns
In keeping with FDA guidance on Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) and walk-through metal detectors, it is recommended visitors and system operators with implantable or wearable medical devices consult their device manufacturer or physician for information relating to their own specific device.
The system uses extremely low-frequency radio waves (ELF) and are well within safety guidelines.
The technology does not use facial recognition.
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.