New security devices arrive for Wichita high schools

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – New technology has started to arrive to help the Wichita university district increase its security programs at its higher educational facilities.

The Wichita Board of Training approved the buy of OPENGATE screening units for all WPS higher educational facilities at its assembly on Sept 12. On Friday, West Higher School will grow to be the first Wichita school to use the screening products.

The OPENGATE scanners are made to routinely scan backpacks and luggage for steel threats, together with firearms. The units are portable and can be moved through the faculties for distinct activities as one more layer of safety safety measures.

In September, the board of education and learning approved the shelling out of $1.5 million for up to 50 new products. The district designed the buy following 5 guns were being identified on the premises of Wichita superior colleges in the to start with two weeks of the college year.

On Thursday, West Large University senior Elvis Cruz was amongst individuals who took portion in a demo of the OPENGATE process. He expressed combined emotions about its introduction. Although appreciating that the OPENGATE units are for students’ basic safety, he mentioned receiving utilized to it will be tricky, particularly with how numerous learners go to West Large.

Soon after a few weeks of getting acclimated to the new technologies, West Significant Faculty Principal Mark Jolliffe said he thinks his pupils will adapt.

“I believe youngsters are going to be adaptable, but it is new and they will get accustomed to what they have to do,” he stated. “…When they get use to it in a few times, they’ll be fantastic and I think the general response is constructive simply because they want to come to a school that is safe and not have to worry about weapons.”

The district stated it expects delays when the units go live Friday at West High’s a few entrances. Unlike metallic detectors, the OPENGATE screening gadgets really do not demand students to acquire off backpacks and empty pockets, so it doesn’t produce a important backup as learners try out to enter the school. In September, 12 news visited the North Minor Rock, Arkansas school district to see how the OPENGATE units get the job done. The district claimed laptops, significant 3-ring binders and metallic water bottles environment it off. What the units are hunting for are substantial metal objects like guns and knives.

“Anything that we can do to lower the opportunity for a weapon currently being brought into our constructing, that’s what we’re going to do,” explained Wichita General public Educational facilities Safety and Environmental Services Director Terri Moses.

District leaders and protection team invested Thursday afternoon in training on the techniques which contain steerage like the place to spot the products.