Tonight, PWCS Superintendent Dr. LaTanya D. McDade the school division to purchase and implement weapons detection devices for all secondary schools by the end of September 2023. Vernon Bock, chief operating officer of PWCS, presented updated information and recommendations regarding the use of advanced security screening technology during the Prince William County School Board Meeting.
“This is a critical next step toward protection, and this technology has been successfully implemented in sports stadiums, national museums, and school divisions across the country,” said Dr. McDade. “We remain vigilant in implementing new national school safety best practices to protect and safeguard the physical, social, and emotional well-being of every student and staff member. It is our responsibility, as a whole, to do everything we can to keep the students safe.
The recommendation is based on feedback received from the Safe Schools Advisory Council, School Safety Officers, Prince William County Police Department, and school safety community engagement sessions held over the past few months by the school division.
The School Board will consider approving this recommendation during their meeting on May 3. If approved by the Board, all secondary schools will be equipped with this technology by the end of September 2023. More information can be found on our website.
Babur Lateef, MD, Chairman At-Large of the School Board, said he has spoken with many community members who are very supportive of putting security technology in our schools.
“I fully support this recommendation by Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade to adopt the Evolv weapons detection system for all high and middle schools,” said Lateef.
“This system will improve the detection and prevention of weapons in schools. No system is perfect but the School Board is committed to adding effective layers of security to enhance the safety and security of all students, teachers, and staff . The community has spoken with near unanimity in months of engagement to support artificial intelligence scanners (Evolv System). The School Board intends to approve these systems and implement them this fall.”