Muncie high school using new weapons detection security system

Starting Friday, Muncie Central High School will begin using a new weapons detection system.  As IPR’s Ransom True reports, it’s intended to quickly screen students as they enter the building.

Called OpenGate, the new security system will consist of a two specialized metal-detecting pillars, branded with Muncie Central’s colors and logo.

It’s designed to quickly filter out common items such as water bottles, phones, and keys – without most bags having to be searched by hand.

Chuck Reynolds heads Muncie Community Schools.

“We want to keep any weapons from entering the school, discourage acts of violence, and continue to foster that safe and secure environment for our students, so when they enter the building, they know we are taking every precaution possible to keep them safe.”

Since 2014 at Muncie Central, two guns have been found in high school lockers, one weapon was found in a security check with handheld wands, and one student was arrested with a gun across the street from the high school.

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The security system was purchased with money provided by the City of Muncie, with a purchase price of about $65,000, according to the school district.

It will also be used for high school athletic events and random middle school security checks.

Ransom True is a news fellow with Ball State Public Media’s Public Media Accelerator student fellowships.