Chesterfield demonstrates new weapons detection system for new school year

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — As students in Chesterfield County head back to class, they’re being greeted with a new layer of security aimed at keeping schools safer.

The district recently unveiled newly installed "OpenGate" weapons detection systems at Midlothian High School -- the first of 27 middle and high schools in the county set to receive the technology.

The system, designed to detect weapons and other metal objects, was demonstrated during a walkthrough at the school. County officials said it’s part of a broader initiative to enhance security measures across the district.

"It builds comprehensively off of what we have in place already," said John Phillips, Chesterfield's Director of Constituent Services. "Ultimately, they're designed to keep multi-caliber weapons out of the building."

The OpenGate system, which cost the county nearly $2.8 million, triggers an alert when it detects items such as laptops, metal objects or weapons inside a student’s bag or clothing.

“These are used at amusement parks, concerts, all over the place now,” said Midlothian High School Principal Shawn Abel. “It’s hopefully not a shock to anyone in particular, but if it is, we’ll walk them through it and help them feel at ease during the first few days.”

The move to install the detectors follows a violent incident last October, when a 17-year-old was stabbed at Meadowbrook High School. That event prompted the county’s school board to vote unanimously in favor of enhanced security measures.

For students like rising senior Matthew Do, the new technology represents a necessary change.

“Safety is paramount and obviously this is for our safety,” Do said. “It may even seem like a burden at first, but I think eventually it’ll become routine and not much of a change.”

The detectors are placed at school entrances, allowing students to walk through as they enter the building -- an added step aimed at ensuring a safer learning environment for all.