New Britain Racial Justice Coalition Asks “Do Metal Detectors Make Schools Safer?”
As the New Britain school system is considering using metal/weapon detectors in elementary, middle and high schools, the New Britain Racial Justice Coalition is asking, “do metal detectors make schools safer?”
“Metal detectors are often seen as a solution to school violence, but research has questioned their effectiveness in truly keeping students safe,” the Coalition says, encouraging the community to, “join the conversation,” by attending the community forum to be held by the Board of Education on the topic on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 6:00pm in the New Britain High School Lecture Hall.
Citing a policy brief written by Jaclyn Schildkraut and Kathryn Grogan, the Coalition said that,
– Metal detectors may offer a symbolic sense of security but have limited effectiveness in detecting weapons, with airports showing up to 80% fail rates on similar technologies.
– Schools with metal detectors often report higher perceptions of violence and disorder among students, particularly in urban schools with larger populations of students of color.
– The costs of installing, maintaining, and staffing metal detectors are high, and their presence may send mixed messages about safety.
The New Britain Board of Education has said it, “is considering whether metal/weapons detection technology should be in place in our school buildings.”
“The Board would like to offer you an opportunity to hear and see what these potential tools would look like and how they would function,” the school board says. “There will also be an opportunity for your input, questions, and answers.”
The school district says that an RSVP for the forum is, “requested but not required,” providing an RSVP form.
An online survey is also available for parents, which asks, “Do you think metal/weapons detectors should be installed at New Britain elementary schools?”, “Do you think metal/weapons detectors should be installed at New Britain middle schools?” and “Do you think metal/weapons detectors should be installed at New Britain high schools?”
