Install metal detectors in schools

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing in response to the article, ‘Safety and security measures to be strengthened’, published in The Gleaner on September 7.

I am super elated about the proposal to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the entrances of primary schools at the start of the 2023-24 school year to monitor activities in their schools.

In the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, CCTV is widely used in schools. The move has been successful in preventing bullying, vandalism, monitoring visitors, and maintaining a record of evidence of a crime.

When CCTV cameras are installed, students from grade one to six will receive the same level of protection like the schools in the US. Closed-circuit television footage can serve as evidence in court for proving someone was at a particular location or proving a crime was committed.

Instead of manual search, I would recommend schools use walk-through metal detectors at school entrances, sooner than later. There can also be handheld devices that school personnel use to scan individual students.

Metal detectors are costly to purchase and install, and they require other related expenditures, such as staff to conduct the searches, training, and equipment maintenance.

However, they are good for schools because they immediately detect weapons as students and guests enter the building. In schools in the US that currently use detectors, guns and knives have been recovered from students and guests.

Metal detectors will serve as a barrier for armed persons, who will think twice before entering the school premises. Metal detectors can also help to catch potential offenders before they enter the schools.

In the US, the use of school metal detectors is common in metropolitan areas, especially where there is a history of violent crimes. Jamaica needs to install metal detectors before incidents of violent crimes happen in schools.

I am also in support of schools to embrace restorative justice.

CARGILL KELLY