Orange County adds security wands at schools

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Orange County Public Schools will be arming administrators with a new way to detect weapons on their campuses.

A metal detection wand is now in every Orange County middle and high school, to be used at random.

"You will see these the first day of school," said OCPS Superintendent Barbara Jenkins.  "When we say random screening that means any child all day every day.  Cafeteria, tardy office, throughout the school day it's a possibility, after school activities." 

Principals and assistant principals have been undergoing training, and they will be the only school staff using them. OCPS Police Chief Bryan Holmes telling The News Station students should already be familiar with the wanding process on campus.  Law enforcement has been doing random metal detection screenings since 2013.  He says each school now having one of the on hand is an extra tool.

"In the principal's hands it's right there, boots on the ground it helps them keep control of their campus," said Chief Holmes.

He emphasizes this is about prevention and early intervention.  

"That's the hallmark of our safety and security programming. And so what's better than trying to prevent kids bringing weapons to school."  

Chief Holmes' message to students is simple.  

"Don't bring a weapon to school. Don't bring your toy guy, your bb gun, your pellet gun or needless to say a firearm or knife to school.  You could randomly be stopped by one of our in the hall way by one of our principals."