East Ramapo To Buy Metal Detectors For Schools

RAMAPO, N.Y. -- East Ramapo students may soon find themselves being scanned for weapons following a vote by the school district to purchase and use metal detectors at its area schools, according to multiple sources.

East Ramapo schools recently approved the use of metal detectors in its schools and at special events.
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K Reakes

02/22/2017 10:25 a.m.

Although officials said there is no "current" threat to students, they want to have them on hand in case there is a threat or incident, said lohud.com.

School officials said student safety was the main reason for the new policy that permits the use of the detectors to scan anyone in school buildings or on buses, reported Westchester News12.

According to the policy, screenings will be random, and anyone who refuses can be denied entry to a school or event such as a basketball game, said lohud.com.

Currently, no other schools in the county utilize metal detectors. The school plans to purchase nine detectors at a cost of $110 each, added lohud.com.

Backers of the detectors point to the incident last March when a student was hospitalized after being stabbed at Spring Valey High School. A 16-year-old classmate was charged, said News12.

Following that incident, school officials stepped up searches of lockers, bags, and students that have turned up such items as pocket knives, lighters, and drugs, said lohud.com.

The district has not announced when they will begin using the metal detectors.

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