Smith Detections is a multibillion-dollar manufacturing company that crafts security equipment used by the U.S. Department of Defense and in airports. The company specializes in X-ray technology, magnetometers, weapons detection systems and surveillance — all enhancements Harford school officials have said they are open to using.
In attendance were Aaron Poynton, president of the Board of Education; Harford County Public Schools Chief of Administration Eric Davis; HCPS Chief of Security Donovan Brooks; Harford County government Director of Administration Robert McCord and other officials.
Poynton said the visit was about exploring available technology and the school system’s needs, and also understanding how other public school systems use Smiths Detection’s services.
“The systems we looked at today are used in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and so on, so it was about getting an understanding of how the technology is really applied to schools,” Poynton said. “We want to know how other school systems use it, staff it, their process and the implications.”
One of the main factors Harford schools are looking into when installing new security systems is how quickly the technology can process students without causing them an inconvenience or unnecessary stress.
“Unlike airports, where flights are spaced out throughout the day, with a school, everyone tries to get through the doors in the morning in a 30-minute period,” Poynton said. “It takes on average, 60 seconds to process someone through a metal detector and we are talking about hundreds of students.”
A potential option Harford officials learned about during the visit was a weapons detection system called Opengate. The technology eliminates the potential for false alarms caused by things such as metal on a three-ring binder or cellphone through the use of enhanced, modern metal detection.
The system is mobile, lightweight and can scan hundreds of people in 30 minutes. Opengate uses two pole-like structures that do not have an overhead connection — making the system less noticeable for students. Students would be able to walk through the system carrying backpacks, wearing jewelry and with their belongings in their pockets.
Poynton said that although he was impressed by the system, the board is continuing to build a comprehensive understanding of all the options available.
“Whenever something bad happens at a school, you have to take a more comprehensive look at how to not only prevent a shooting at Joppatowne, but how we prevent violence across all of our schools,” Poynton said. “This is part of our commitment to take a comprehensive look at everything to ensure we are making the best decisions for student safety.”
Police said the Sept. 6 shooting at Joppatowne High School happened during a fight in a bathroom when Jaylen Prince, 16, pulled a gun from his backpack and shot Warren Grant, 15, in the chest. Grant died later that day and Prince was arrested and charged with murder, as an adult.
Community members rallied, held vigils and demanded increased security in schools.
Since the shooting, Joppatowne High students have been prohibited from carrying large backpacks at school, a safety precaution instituted by Principal Melissa Williams.
Many Harford residents said bag restrictions were a step in the right direction but urged the school system to install metal detectors and mandate that students use clear backpacks.
A petition started by parent Marcus Custer advocates for metal detectors and clear backpacks in schools, and has 4,278 signatures.
County leaders have consistently identified cost as a potential barrier for using metal detectors in schools. Poynton said cost was not touched on during the visit due to officials being more focused on learning about the technology and its applications in Harford schools.
Poynton noted that regardless of the cost, officials will pursue state and federal grants to help cover the cost of security enhancements. Once officials identify enhancements they’d like to acquire, the purchase would go through the school system’s acquisition process to ensure financial feasibility and responsibility, he added.
School Superintendent Sean Bulson said as security conversations continue, his priority is identifying solutions that align with the school system’s mission to provide a safe and secure environment for students and staff.
“Harford County Public Schools is committed to exploring all available options to ensure and enhance the safety of our students, staff and visitors,” Bulson said in an emailed statement. “At this time, we are not in a position to confirm any specifics of this ongoing process, but please be assured that school safety remains our top priority. Should there be any developments regarding new safety initiatives or technology implementations, we will keep the community informed.”
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