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Weapon-detection system coming to these 7 Orange County schools

Walk-through detectors common at sporting events, theme parks

WEKIVA SPRINGS, Fla. – Orange County Public Schools is launching a pilot program that will bring walk-through weapon detectors to some of its high schools.

The district announced on Tuesday that seven high schools were chosen at random to test the use of the technology, which is called OPENGATE.

OCPS has allowed the use of metal detection wands at middle and high schools since 2018.

The new system, however, is designed for automatic weapons screening of people with backpacks and bags. It resembles units that are often seen at theme parks, stadiums and government buildings.

The district said OPENGATE will also identify other contraband items not allowed on school property.

The system will be installed first at Wekiva High School on Dec. 18.  

The six additional schools are Boone, Horizon, Lake Nona, Evans, Timber Creek and Jones high schools. OCPS said the campuses will begin using the weapon-detection system in phases, from January through March.

All students and visitors will be subject to screening as they enter campus prior to the start of school and during regular school hours, the district said.