Fiel agreed that the machines are an important school safety tool.
“We found everything the machine is authorized to pick up. At the entry points at these locations, we eliminated [contraband] from going any further,” Fiel said of his experiences with the Washington, D.C., schools.
Viscardi said it’s important for schools to work out a multi-layered security plan and not rely solely on one method.
“The use of a single piece of equipment we’ve never felt is the best way to provide security,” said Viscardi. He suggests the use of several different technology-based components in order to provide the most secure campus possible.
“One layer is the metal detection to screen students, teachers, and other personnel. Another layer is the x-ray equipment to screen their belongings. A third layer might be integration of those systems with a closed circuit television system to provide not only comprehensive viewing of all the security checkpoints but also post-incident opportunities,” Viscardi said.
Fiel agreed that using technology can make a big difference when it comes to school safety.
“We definitely saw a dramatic reduction in incidences involving weapons [after installing x-ray machines],” Fiel said. During his time with the Washington, D.C., schools, Fiel and his team reduced crime by 90 percent after integrating technology into the district’s school safety approach. Fiel said that prevention, boosted by technology, played a major part in the reduction.
“X-ray [machines] have become a logical component; a required component in any kind of checkpoint you’re going to put in any kind of building,” Viscardi said.
- New film fights negative perception of teachers - September 16, 2011
- Textbook-free schools share experiences, insights - September 7, 2011
- Social websites are latest sources for plagiarized material - September 1, 2011
Comments are closed.