Person County to install new weapon detectors in schools

Person County will be installing new security measures in schools in the count.

Person County school officials said they are aiming to install new weapon detectors before June.

This comes amid security threats in neighboring counties. The goal is to "be proactive" when it comes to safety and security on campus.

At Person High School, students and visitors are periodically required to go through metal detectors upon entering the building. However, the new weapon detectors would use the EVOLV software, which is also used at Bank of America Stadium.

"If there’s a metal detector alarm, then you have to do a more detailed search of the person who alarmed the detector," Dr. Ron Anthony, asst. superintendent for administrative services, explained. "One of the reasons why we chose the software if for its speed and accuracy. If there is a possible threat, the software will identify the area and make the search quicker and less invasive."

Last Thursday, the Person County School District voted unanimously in favor of new weapon detectors in all of its secondary schools – Southern Middle School, Northern Middle School, and Person High School.

"When I spoke with the company, they really don’t recommend it to be used in elementary schools," Dr. Anthony said. "Traditionally, the secondary schools are where these unfortunate events occur. Person High School is the only school in the district where all of our student will attend."

In the first month and a half of 2023, Education Week reports 6 school shootings across the country that resulted in injuries or deaths.

"We took a proactive measure to give our administrators the tools they needed to ensure our campuses our safe. Not only for our students, but for our staff members, as well," Anthony said.

It will come with a $486,456 price tag. Anthony said the district is using the state’s Safer Schools grant. He said less than 50 thousand dollars will come from local funding.