With the rise involving firearms in school, people have been calling for the installation of metal detectors at school to ensure student’s safety. As a student, I think schools should install metal detectors in schools to protect students from school threats/violences. 

Schools that do not have any metal detectors can put a student and staff life at risk, meaning anyone with a weapon can walk in a school without anyone knowing. Installing metal detectors can decrease the crime rate in the school, meaning staff and students do not have to worry about weapons in school or any crime happening at the school. 

On Aug. 21, 2025, a stabbing happened at Central High School where two students were injured during a conflict. If Central installed metal detectors, it could’ve been prevented. 

“Students will be aware of the metal detectors, and the shooting or stabbing rate would go down” geography teacher Shaun Behrens said. “I think Benson students would not bring weapons because if they did, they would turn around and leave.”  

On Sept. 10, 2024, an incident involving firearms happened at Northwest High School.  

Parents believe installing metal detectors could enhance school security and safety for the students and staff after the Northwest High School incident involving firearms. If OPS are planning to install metal detectors. Enhanced metal detectors companies like CEIA, evolve technology, Mettler toledo, and Minilab are a great way to buy. Enhanced metal detectors can offer superior performance, utilizing technologies like multi-frequency and advanced digital signal processors.  

“I don’t think installing metal detectors would help, but I think a lot of our students work hard to keep our school environment safe.” Administer Duggan Mike said.  

OPS does not have any plans to install metal detectors permanently but is currently focusing on staff training for any threats. Teaching staff how to evaluate and manage behaviors in situations that can be a threat in the school environment. Only at basketball games between OPS schools, OPS installs metal detectors.