Horizon High among schools selected to test new OCPS pilot program

The Orange County Public Schools district has announced a new pilot program that will screen every student and visitor for weapons to enhance security in schools.

Horizon High School is one of the seven randomly selected schools for phase one of the program, which will test the use of a walk-through weapons detection system during arrival.

The pilot program, first announced Tuesday, Dec. 12, will begin this month starting with full implementation at Wekiva High School Monday, Dec. 18.

In addition to Wekiva and Horizon, other schools selected for the program are Boone, Lake Nona, Evans, Timber Creek and Jones high schools.

These schools will begin using the weapon detection system in phases from January through March.

The technology, known as OPENGATE, is a walk-through weapons detection system designed for the automatic screening of people with backpacks and bags. 

It will also identify other contraband items not allowed on school property. 

"All students and visitors will be subject to screening as they enter campus prior to the start of school at arrival and during regular school hours," OCPS said in a press release. "If OPENGATE detects any contraband items, a secondary screening or search will be conducted. Contraband found during the secondary screening or search will be confiscated and could lead to school discipline and/or legal consequences.

"Students will pass through the OPENGATE system by removing their laptop computers from their backpacks," OCPS said. "This is due to the metal inside the laptop that will set off the alarm on the system. Visitors will also walk-through the weapon detection system as they enter campus at the main office." 

School district representatives said the safety and security of students and staff comes first.

"Parents and guardians have been informed and will get specific information from their principal as to the exact date that their school will begin the walk-through weapon detection screenings," OCPS said. "The system resembles units that are often seen at theme parks, stadiums and in government buildings."

For more information on the new pilot program, visit the OCPS website here.