High School Safety Check Suspended

As part of 27J Schools’ safety program, the district has been testing a Safety Check system at high schools. Those trials revealed that the Safety Check metal detectors could not live up to the vendor’s promises.

The district discovered that the devices failed to deliver key functionalities, such as accurate detection and timely alerts, which are critical to ensuring the safety of students and staff. Also, the system's reliability was inconsistent, leading to false alarms and possible undetected threats.

With that reality, Safety Check trials have stopped and the district is moving in a different direction. Staff is reexamining other safety systems that will meet district needs. 

How did we get here?

That process last spring began with staff researching several school entry safety systems used around the nation. Many used metal detectors to alert officials if someone tried to bring a gun into the school.

The district’s decision-making process included vendors bidding on its proposal, and a select few giving presentations about their system’s capabilities. Vendors demonstrated the use of their equipment and how it would perform in a school. Based on that information, the district selected its metal detector device vendor.

In the business world when companies research and develop new products, there’s typically a testing or trial period to ensure their product meets expectations and performs well in general operating conditions. 27J did likewise and slated about a month to test the new system at schools. During the trial period the district discovered the vendor misrepresented the device’s full capabilities and liabilities.

What happens next?

27J’s staff is working to resolve the matter with the vendor. Meanwhile, the district is exploring other safety check options some of which use newer technologies, like AI systems that are less intrusive for students. Various door alarms and automatic locks are being added. Schools will continue using one main entry into school buildings with administrators and safety staff greeting students personally as they enter. 

“Our commitment to our community to improve schools’ safety is unwavering,” Director of Safety Services Sam Ortega said. “We also recognize the grit and determination our people demonstrated working hard to make the devices and process work.

“While we’re incredibly disappointed, I have full confidence we will move forward with a different system that will meet our needs of improving safe environments for all students and staff.”