Myrtle Beach News: Horry County Schools to Add Weapons Detection Systems
CONWAY — In the wake of a student bringing a gun inside Myrtle Beach Middle School, the Horry County Board of Education has approved a series of district-wide security upgrades, including adding weapons detection systems. But emails reviewed by The Post & Courier show district officials discussed this technology last year yet didn’t move forward until the gun incident and subsequent public pressure from parents. Even after the gun’s discovery, some district staff questioned the effectiveness of the systems HCS is now planning to install.
Delays in Implementation
“It took longer than it should have to get to this point,” said Meredith Kennedy, a parent of a sixth grader at Myrtle Beach Middle School. “A lot of recommendations have been made over the past couple of years regarding weapon detection systems. So it’s better than what we had.”
New Security Measures
The school board on March 18 unanimously approved a multi-part security improvement plan that includes adding guards at school buildings and installing OPENGATE freestanding detection systems at all schools. OPENGATE is composed of two freestanding pillars, and it does not require any mechanical or electrical connection between the two pillars that define the passageway, unlike traditional metal detectors.
OPENGATE provides real-time status and alarm indicators by using acoustic and optical signals located at the top of the pillars. It allows for faster screening of people in transit with bags, backpacks, and purses, targeting multi-caliber weapons and explosives.
Response to Concerns
“We offer the best security measures that we can,” said Horry County Board of Education Vice Chairman Neil James. “We’re doing the best we can to ensure safety within our schools.”
The decision to enhance security comes after incidents in neighboring Georgetown County, where OPENGATE technology was implemented following security breaches at local schools.
Public Outcry and Board Involvement
The Horry County school board faced public outcry and pressure from parents after the gun incident at Myrtle Beach Middle School. Discussions about new weapons detection technology had already taken place a year ago, but only gained momentum after the recent security breach.
During a special meeting on March 18, additional security measures were approved, including installing OPENGATE devices at various school entry points and providing training for staff involved in daily screenings.
Future Plans
Although the new security measures have been welcomed, parents like Kennedy still express concerns about the effectiveness of the plan and advocate for dedicated security personnel in each school.
The district plans to invest in additional security personnel and allocate funds for security enhancements in the coming years.
Overall, the Horry County school board is prioritizing student safety and implementing measures to prevent future security breaches within its schools.
