Two Broward high schools will be the first places for metal detectors
From David Volz
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is preparing for the launch of a pilot program this summer for using walk-through metal detectors in high schools as part of a weapons detection program. The pilot will take place at two District schools, Charles W. Flanagan High School and J.P. Taravella High School – and will allow security staff to refine implementation processes before expanding the safety initiative to eight additional schools in the 2024/25 school year.
The District’s rollout of the metal detectors follows recent approval by the Broward County School Board. The total cost of implementing the program at the ten initial schools is $540,000.
“The integration of walk-through metal detectors is an important step forward for our District,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Peter B. Licata. “Safety is our top priority, and we are doing everything we can to keep weapons off our campuses. This initiative adds another layer to the safety measures currently in place.”
During a School Board workshop on April 23, the District will discuss the initiative, including the eight schools being launched during the 2024/25 school year. The District’s goal is to outfit all remaining BCPS high schools by the 2025/26 school year.
