Winfield schools put in metal detectors at sporting events

WINFIELD — Winfield City Schools has announced metal detectors will be put in place before a basketball game on Jan. 16.
The OpenGate weapon detection system was put in place before the game against Fayette. The school system’s Facebook post explained it is designed to detect weapons while allowing everyday items like keys and phones to pass through without issue.
“At Winfield City Schools, the safety of our students, staff and visitors is our highest priority,” said interim superintendent Jennifer Simmons. “The district purchased metal detectors earlier this year and began randomly using them at each campus.
“After careful consideration and discussions with our school board, local law enforcement and our safety director, Alan Smith, we decided to extend their use to extracurricular events. This step was intended to enhance our existing safety protocols and provide an additional layer of protection.
“Our goal is not to create fear or disrupt the positive environment in our schools, but to ensure that everyone can learn, work and gather at school events feeling safe and secure.
“We are grateful for our strong, supportive community and appreciate this continued partnership as we work together to keep our schools safe.”
Safety Director Alan Smith said once he learned about this type of metal detector, he saw a lot of potential in it for use in schools.
“This summer, our school resource officer, Steve Thompson, and I attended a school safety training course,” Smith said. “During the course, we were introduced to portable, open-gate metal detector systems designed to detect weapons while allowing everyday items such as phones, keys and other personal belongings to pass through without disruption.
“We believe this technology will significantly enhance our ability to screen individuals entering our school buildings, as well as provide an added layer of security at athletic events to help ensure safety across our campuses.
“With the support of our superintendent, approval from the board of education and assistance from Representative Tracy Estes and Senator Garlan Gudger, we were able to purchase these advanced metal detectors.
“At Winfield, we are continually seeking ways to strengthen safety measures at our schools and athletic events, and this investment reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting our students, staff and community.”
Winfield School Resource Officer Steve Thompson also expressed his support of the added safety measure.
“Winfield City School’s Safety Coordinator, Coach Allen Smith is doing an excellent and very proactive job in the effort to making our schools as safe as possible,” Thompson said. “The addition of metal detectors to our campuses and sporting events is just another in several safety programs which will hopefully keep all of our students, faculty and administrators safe from any threats which may potentially arise.”
“I was honored to participate in this very important purchase,” Estes said. “Considering the fact these metal detectors are portable, my understanding is they will be used for sporting events, graduation ceremonies and other such large gatherings.
“The good news is visitors can move through the process rather quickly.
“I'm saddened these are things we even have to consider, but times have changed. I am proud to partner with Sen. Garlan Gudger and the Winfield Board of Education to purchase these items.
“Now, everyone attending events in this community can rest comfortably, knowing they are safe at any event hosted by the school.”