Weapon Detection System FAQ

The system will be in use daily at Muncie Central High School, Northside Middle School and Southside Middle School. Because of its portability, it may also be used at other MCS buildings and events.

This state-of-the-art system uses two freestanding pillars with advanced sensors and imaging technology that people must walk through. Signs will be posted instructing students to remove laptops and large binders with metal spines from their bags and backpacks. They will hand these items to a School Security Officer (SSO) and then proceed through the pillars. If no banned items are detected by the system, the SSO returns the loose items and the student proceeds to class.

If a weapon or other possibly banned item is detected, an alarm sounds and the student is instructed to remove their backpack and go through the pillars again. If an alarm sounds again, the student is pulled aside by an SSO or school administrator to undergo a secondary screening with a handheld detector. Once the possibly banned item is found, it is inspected. If it is on the banned list, it is confiscated and the student may face consequences as outlined in the Student and Family Handbook. If it is not a banned item, it is returned and the student proceeds to class.

A student found in possession of a banned item will be held accountable according to the guidelines outlined in The Student and Family Handbook. School officials will then document the incident and notify the appropriate school personnel before notifying parents/guardians in accordance with school procedures. The Muncie Police Department will be contacted, if necessary.

Yes, unless it’s been predetermined that the student’s disability would prevent them from going through the system.

MCS School Security Officers (SSOs) and administrators conduct the screenings. They have received comprehensive training on the system, metal detection wands and proper search methods.

It shouldn’t. Once students are familiar with the kinds of objects that will trigger an alarm (like umbrellas, metal candy tins, some eye glass cases, specific cell phones), they can simply avoid keeping those items in their bags, backpacks and pockets.

It shouldn’t. Once students are familiar with the kinds of objects that will trigger an alarm (like umbrellas, metal candy tins, some eye glass cases, specific cell phones), they can simply avoid keeping those items in their bags and backpacks.

It shouldn’t. Once students are familiar with the kinds of objects that will trigger an alarm (like umbrellas, metal candy tins, some eye glass cases, specific cell phones), they can simply avoid keeping those items in their bags and backpacks.

School officials will monitor and review protocols using the system, documenting incidents and looking to improve any challenges to efficient entry into school buildings and events. Feedback from staff, students and families will be collected regularly to refine procedures and improve efficiency. The equipment will receive regular checks and maintenance to ensure it remains functional and effective at all times.

Because of the increase in situations involving weapons at schools around the country in recent years, MCS has been discussing adding a weapon detection system for some time. We want to provide the most secure learning environment possible without increasing anxieties for students and staff. We believe this system does that. A generous grant from the City of Muncie is what made purchasing this system possible at this time.