ALEXANDRIA, Va. — School leaders in Alexandria want your feedback about a tool to keep students safe. Friday is the last day to weigh in on the weapons abatement program.
The pilot program officially launched in Alexandria City Public Schools last May. The ACPS Office of Safety and Security Services installed weapons detection scanners at several schools, including the Minnie Howard and King Street campuses of Alexandria City High School, George Washington Middle School, and Francis C. Hammond Middle School.
Nearly a year after the technology was installed, officials want the community to provide feedback in this survey.
Data shows since the screening process was implemented, there has been a 71% reduction in weapons-related incidents.
In the final semester before the detectors were installed, there were 17 weapons reported, discovered by staff or found during incidents, according to ACPS data. In the first semester after the installation, five weapons were detected.
Alexandria City Public Schools asked for feedback on the potential launch of a weapons abatement pilot program, before approving it last year.
Nearly 4,400 people filled out the online survey. The report said 85% of survey respondents supported the use of weapons screening equipment. Nearly 60% said they wanted it in all schools, while 27% only wanted to see it in middle and high schools.
School safety has been a point of emphasis in Alexandria City Public Schools following the death of a student in 2022.
School officials said while the weapons abatement data is trending in the right direction, it's important to consider that other safety measures in addition to the detectors may have contributed to the decline as well.
Those safety changes ACPS implemented at the start of the 2022-2023 school year include:
- All students and staff are required to have and carry their identification daily
- Additional school security officers will be at secondary school locations
- Designated entrances for students, staff, and visitor entry
- Cell service expanded throughout the Alexandria City High School (ACHS) King Street Campus
The results of this survey will be taken into consideration for the recommendation school staff plans to bring to the School Board regarding the future of the weapons screening program in ACPS.