Weapon detection could expand to more CPS events
Haley Swaino
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Columbia Public Schools is working to strengthen safety by expanding the use of weapons detection systems across campuses and major district events.
Weapon detection use is being considered at more extracurricular activities and athletic events, according to CPS documents. This year, all high school dances will include weapons screening.
CPS first rolled out weapons detection systems at the start of the 2024-2025 school year at three of its high schools: Battle, Hickman and Rock Bridge. More systems were implemented at Douglass High School and the Columbia Area Career Center for the 2025-2026 school year, according to previous reporting.
The systems have already been used successfully at football games across Columbia high schools, increasing security without slowing down entry, Columbia Board of Education documents state.
CPS says fans and students adjusted well, with lines moving more efficiently this season than when the systems were first used.
At events like graduations at Mizzou Arena and the Boone County Fair, CPS says weapon detection systems have also been successful.
In schools, the systems’ rollout at the beginning of the 2024 year was smooth, with students quickly adapting to using them, CPS says.
Adjustments to staffing and entry flow to school buildings also helped minimize delays. CPS employs 25 Building Safety and Security Assistants, with one position open. Security assistants not only manage the detection systems, but also monitor hallways, bathrooms, parking lots and other common areas.
The systems have proven effective and successfully identified weapons when people attempted to circumvent them, CPS says. The systems serve as a visible deterrent, continuing to help prevent weapons from entering school grounds.
CPS reports systems have led to the discovery of contraband items such as vape devices, lighters, pepper spray and small knives — even when the alert was triggered for a different reason.
CPS is discussing installing weapons detection systems at other campuses.
Helen Porter, CPS’ chief schools officer, is set to provide a weapons detection update to the Columbia Board of Education at its meeting, which starts at 6:30 p.m. Monday.
Check back for updates.