MANASSAS, Va. — If you're a high school or middle school student in Prince William County, you've likely found yourself walking through a weapons detection scanner to get into your school. The county installed the scanners at high schools, middle schools and non-traditional schools across the county last year.
"We had a 93% clearance rate, which meant students were able to pass through very quickly and seamlessly to get to class on time," said Dawn Harman, the Assistant Director for Security and Crisis Readiness.
She told WUSA9 that the program has proven successful, so far.
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"What we're looking for is weapons. We're looking for guns. We're proud to say that last year we had zero firearms get into our schools across the division which is huge. Our other weapons were down 72% from the previous year," said Harman.
Now, the school district has decided to start using the technology at some of their high-profile events, like sporting events.
Harman says there's no specific reason for it, other than that it brings an extra layer of security to events that draw large crowds.
This year, you can expect to see the scanners at all home varsity football and varsity boys basketball games.
She says this shouldn't have much of an impact on anyone attending the game, as long as you don't bring any weapons.
There is already a 'no bag' policy in place for anyone attending the games.
When you arrive at one of the games, you'll be asked to walk through the scanner. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) and sensors to detect weapons and "other prohibited items" depending on what the settings are.
In this case, Harman says it's looking for anything that might be a weapon.
If an item of concern is detected, the staff will be alerted and the person will be taken to the side to be searched.
At the end of the day, they say this is about keeping everyone safe.
"This isn't just about the individual. Each school is a community and it's our responsibility to keep that community safe as best as we can at all times," said Harman.