OpenGate® Weapons Detection System

At Judson ISD, the safety of our students is of the utmost importance. To enhance the safety and security of our athletic events, we will begin installing OpenGate® Weapons Detection Systems.

These walk-through metal and weapons detection systems are designed to rapidly scan people for dangerous and prohibited items as they pass through the gate. The goal is to provide a quick, unobtrusive way to bring an additional layer of safety and security to our schools.

During the next school year, the OpenGate® Systems will be deployed at your athletic events. As always, the safety of our students and staff is paramount, and the OpenGate® System helps ensure a safe and secure learning environment.

How it works

Students and visitors will walk through the gate as they enter the event. Any laptops— as well as the items listed below—will need to be removed from backpacks and passed to staff to avoid the OpenGate® system from alerting.

Staff will be on standby each day to greet students and visitors and to address any detected threats.

If the detector’s lights turn red, individuals will be asked to go through the detection system a second time.

If the red signal appears again, individuals will be escorted to a secondary screening location, and their backpacks and personal items will be searched as part of a more thorough investigation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

1. Why is JISD implementing metal detectors at special events? 
   -To continue Judson ISD's commitment to provide a safe and secure environment for students, staff, and visitors, Judson ISD is implementing walk-through metal detectors at our facilities, schools, and special events.
   Will they be up the whole game?
   -Yes, metal detectors will be in effect an hour and a half prior to the game, up to the conclusion of the game.
   What should we expect in the event of bad weather?
   -All games are subject to screening. The athletic department may change to only wands or no screening based on game assessment. The units are waterproof. 
   What if visitors do not want to pass through the metal detectors? 
   -Visitors with concerns about passing through the walk-through metal detectors will still be subject to screening with a hand-held metal detector wand. Individual(s) that refuse to cooperate with the metal detector process will be denied entry into the district-owned facility or district-sponsored event. If the individual(s) is a Judson ISD student, a parent/guardian will be contacted regarding the student’s refusal. 
   What happens to people who cannot walk through a metal detector due to a medical condition? 
   - Metal detectors are safe for all individuals, including children, pregnant women, and adults with most medical implants or devices. Visitors with disabilities or in 
   a wheelchair will be directed to a nearby screening area for a hand-held wand screening.
   Are pocket knives allowed? 
   -Pocket knives are not allowed inside JISD facilities. They should be left at home or locked securely in your vehicle.
   How much extra time should spectators allow for entry into Judson ISD stadiums?
   -Fans are encouraged to arrive at gates approximately 30 minutes earlier than normal to ensure smooth entry into the stadiums. To expedite the screening process, fans should be familiar with the stadium’s clear bag policy and prohibited items list and leave all other unnecessary items locked securely in their vehicle.
   What can I expect once I get to the gate of a JISD facility?
   -Individuals will be asked to follow the instructions of the screening staff and place designated objects on the screening table before passing through the walk-through metal detectors. Individuals will NOT be required to remove backpacks, belts, watches, cell phones, wallets, jewelry, shoes, jackets, or coins. Backpacks are still not allowed at D.W. Rutledge stadium. To carefully screen everyone, individuals will be asked to individually pass through the metal detectors. The detector will indicate visible and audible signals to the screening staff if a secondary screening with the hand-held wand is needed.
   Does the stadium’s clear bag policy remain in effect with the addition of the metal detectors?
   -Yes, the clear bag policy is still in effect. To expedite the screening process, it is recommended that guests use their approved clear bag to carry approved items. The approved clear bag with contents will still be subject to inspection at each metal detector screening table.
   What happens if a weapon is found? 
   -JISD officers will be at each unit and will monitor and handle those case by case situations.