Metal Detectors Argument_Eng 101_Creekmore_Final Version
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Creekmore 1
Aiza Creekmore
Mike Hainzinger
English 101
16 February 2024
Should Schools Institute Metal Detectors and Security Guards at their Entrances?
School shootings sadly are more common today than in the past as these violent acts threaten students and employees alike. Certain tools such as metal detectors which are machines that detect metal fragments on the surface, under the ground, or under water can help reduce such
violence. The first model was created in 1841 by Professor Heinrich Wilhelm Dove in Germany, which was the magnetic induction metal detector. Later, more recognizable improvements started out as a handheld device used to find metal substances in the ground and grew into a hobby in the last several decades for the individual treasure seeker. The first walkthrough metal detectors for security were created in 1929 and in the 1970’s Metor Metal Detectors created walkthrough metal detectors commonly seen in airports today. These security devices were first used in schools with security professionals during the 1989-1990 school year in Detroit Michigan. Metal Detectors and the security staff monitoring them will be effective at eliminating
school shootings and other forms of weapon-related violence. Schools should institute the use of metal detectors and security guards at every entrance to their facilities.
Metal detectors can greatly reduce or eliminate weapon-related violence in schools by detecting the metal elements in firearms and bladed weapons. Metal detectors create safer places by preventing dangerous items from being brought into the facility. “These systems are designed to detect the presence of metal objects, ensuring that potentially dangerous items are not brought into sensitive areas” (
Point Security Incorporated
). In addition to increased weapons detection,
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metal detectors allow for increased controlled access to the schools which implement them. These tools force all who would enter the school to enter through a central location or reduced number of entry points and be physically observed by security personnel, improving detection of contraband and weapons. Furthermore, the use of this machine deters others from attempting to bring firearms and other weapons into the school for fear of being caught and arrested. When students, employees, or outside influences attempt to enter the institution and see security staff along with metal detectors which can’t be avoided they will not risk detection and engagement. The application of metal detectors at every school entrance enhances safety and security for the school's occupants.
Another benefit of utilizing metal detectors in schools is a feeling of being safe and secure, knowing that a gun won’t get into the school. When high profile incidents occur in schools such as shootings, parents and the media often demand metal detectors to prevent another such incident from occurring. Regina Waldroup, a reporter for NBC 5 News, explains, “After a student was found in possession of a gun at a Crestwood, Illinois school, the parents and
community members insisted on the installation of metal detectors at their school” (Waldroup). Moreover, this additional layer of security which complements security guards and security cameras helps keep schools and their occupants safe. Parents clearly want their children to be safe when attending school, and the use of these security devices clearly gives parents a feeling of safety for their children. Lastly, not only do parents feel safer about their kids, employees and community members feel safer for teachers can now rest easier knowing that a gun or other weapon such as a knife won’t get into their classroom. Additionally, when seen these machines reinforce the overall perception of safety because a deterrent that is both physical and technological is in place creating a security barrier. The deployment of metal detectors and
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security guards at every entrance to the school creates a two-tier layer of security and protection that creates a sense of safety.
The use of metal detectors in schools provides a deterrent to violent crime and attempting to bring weapons into the property. When people, not only students and employees, see metal detectors in place, it greatly reduces or eliminates attempts to bring guns into the school. According to Garret Electronics
, a company which provides metal detectors for commercial sale,
“Metal detectors reinforce the perception of safety
b
eyond their functional role for the presence of metal detectors can also act as a deterrent, discouraging individuals from bringing weapons or other dangerous items into schools” (“Why Should You Have Metal Detectors in Schools”?). In addition to students and employees, if outside influences see metal detectors in place and being used, they will avoid the school altogether. Exterior influences such as gangs will avoid the school when they realize that metal detectors are in place, as they won’t be able to bring in guns or knives, and risk police interaction and arrest. These security devices enhance school security as
just one of many layers, making a complete security plan. Metal detectors and security personnel at each entry point make schools safer for students and staff. Metal detectors provide precise threat detection and a psychological deterrent effect, which plays a critical role in overall school safety.
Even when metal detectors are used correctly, they are cost intensive which may prevent some schools from being able to institute their use. These devices range in price from hundreds to thousands per unit. School Specialty Limited Liability Corporation
indicates their most expensive model of walkthrough metal detector is listed at “$7,734.71” (
School Specialty, LLC.).
Beyond the cost of the unit itself, there is the cost of maintaining it such as replacing parts, sensors, etc. when needed. As with any complex device there must be routine maintenance such
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as checking cables, connectors, power supply and regular machine calibration to ensure accurate detection. The final cost of successfully operating metal detectors within schools is security staff.
Metal detectors must be operated by trained professionals not only at the beginning of the school day during the highest traffic times, but also throughout the day in smaller numbers. Merely purchasing metal detectors doesn’t end the finances needed to operate them properly, for the hidden costs are related to maintenance, personnel costs and costs associated with training the personnel.
Metal Detectors are an excellent tool in the total security operation for protecting a school
from having guns and knives on campus. While some say that metal detectors are not effective in
preventing violence on campus, the primary function of a metal detector is not to directly stop violence, but to stop guns and other weapons from getting onto campus. Metal detectors are designed to sense various types of metal commonly used in the composition of firearms and knives. Furthermore, some say that full-size walkthrough metal detectors are cost prohibitive and
many school districts can’t afford them, however many parents want this added layer of protection in the school for their child
. Parents want their children to be safe and always protected, particularly at school and when the continued threat of guns or school shootings is ever constant, the cost of metal detectors becomes less of a concern. The incorporation of metal detectors and security personnel at school entrances appears to have few negative issues and more positive issues related to protecting schools.
Metal detectors can detect weapons such as knives and guns quickly and efficiently, even
if they're hidden inside a backpack, purse, or pocket. They can also find vaping devices, some drugs and drug paraphernalia. These abilities alone make them an invaluable tool for keeping schools safe by preventing people from bringing harmful objects into educational institutions. Many parents believe that their children should be as safe at school as they are in the home.
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While there could be one drawback related to the costs, it seems a justifiable expense for effective, consistent security practices to keep schools safe. In addition to the metal detector units, there is also an increased security team presence as trained professionals are needed to operate and monitor these devices for maximum efficiency. Installing metal detectors is an extremely wise decision for the safety of schools, reducing violence and reassuring students not to be afraid while attending school. Hopefully, if all schools implement the use of metal detectors at their entrances, there will no longer be continuing news reports about innocent children being shot at school, because a weapon was smuggled inside the facility.
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Works Cited
Garrett Electronics Inc. “Why Should You Have Metal Detectors in Schools”? Garrett.com,
2024, www.garrett.com/blog/why-you-should-have-metal-detectors-in-schools#:~: text=Beyond%20their%20functional%20role%2C%20the,students%2C%20parents%2C
%20and%20staff. Accessed 24 February 2024.
Point Security Incorporated “How Metal Detector Systems Improve Safety and Efficiency”. PointSecurityInc.com,
2023, www
.
pointsecurityinc.com/metal-detector-systems-increase-
safety/#:~:text=By%20detecting%20items%20such%20as,can%20 move%20 through %20certain%20areas. Accessed 17 February 2024.
School Specialty LLC. SchoolSpecialty.com, 2024, www.schoolspecialty.com/ceia-walk-
through-metal-detector-elliptic-version-with-bluetooth-2128795?utm_source=google &utm_medium= organic&utm_campaign=surfaces. Accessed 22 February 2024.
Waldroup, Regina. "Parents Demand Metal Detectors After Incident at Suburban Middle School." NBC 5 Chicago,
20 April 2023, www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/parents-
demand-metal-detectors-after-incident-at-suburban-middle-school/3123888/. Accessed 17 February 2024.
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