Columbia approves additional weapons detection systems at CPS high schools

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Board of Education approved the purchase of six additional weapons detection systems at a pair of the school district's high schools during Monday night's board meeting.

The system will cost the district $102,246.00 through the Safety and Security operating budget.

The district plans on adding three Open Gate weapons detection systems at Hickman High School and another three at Rock Bridge High School, according to Columbia Public Schools spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark.

Baumstark said the district is looking to add the systems to the north side entrance of Rock Bridge and the east entrance of Hickman to aid with traffic flow issues.

The district rolled out the Open Gate system at all three high schools earlier this year. Issues were reported with the speed of students being able to enter buildings. Baumstark said the district is not looking at adding detection systems to Battle High School because traffic flow issues have not been nearly as bad at that school.

The systems, provided by Communications Technologies Inc., can detect guns, knives, brass knuckles and razor blades while ignoring everyday objects such as keys, cellphones and jewelry. The system is also capable of detecting vapes. CPS approved the purchase of its initial Open Gate weapons detection systems in April. 

The six additional systems will be delivered within four to eight weeks.