Another school shooting raises question: Where are the metal detectors?

Michelle Lattimore, a Durham County parent, said she put her daughter in a virtual academy in part because of those concerns.

"The one place that children should be safe, in my opinion, is at home and in school," she said.

Lattimore and others suggested that metal detectors or other weapons detection systems would give both parents and students peace of mind.

"I think that would be helpful," she said, "knowing that there is something in place, something that can maybe stop this at the front door."

Yet weapons detection technology is not standard across Triangle-area schools.

While the Wake County Public School System recently completed a safety and security audit of district properties, details of the recommendations from the study have not been made public. Spokeswoman Sarah Clark did say, "The security firm that conducted the audit did not recommend the use of metal detectors."

Wake schools work to "continuously assess and enhance procedures, resources and safety measures," Clark said.

In Wake, Durham and Cumberland counties, metal detectors are available, but are used mostly for special events and limited searches rather than daily access. In Durham, a spokesperson said while they are sometimes used at school, "It is rare." In Cumberland County, most high schools have them, and they are used for some events and random checks.

Wider use, security consultant Tim Shipman said, would have prevented what happened at Fuquay-Varina Middle School. A weapons detection system would have stopped the gun at the door, he said.

Such systems, Shipman acknowledged, are expensive.

"I would just encourage county commissioners as well as the state board of education to get involved," he said. "Let's get these things funded and get them into our school systems."

In Johnston County, $10 million has been spent to provide 50 stationary weapons detection systems to be installed elementary, middle and high schools and 30 transportable systems for use at sporting events and other events, said Todd Sutton, chairman of the board of education.

Shipman thinks all school districts should follow that lead.

"I think as time progresses, we'll see more across the state join in as well," Sutton said.