By Lisa Falzone, Founder of Athena Security
When a school district is considering implementing security measures to help keep weapons out of schools, parents have many questions, and rightfully so. In fact, parents have a responsibility to ensure that the technology selected not only effectively addresses potential threats but also preserves a welcoming learning environment.
To help guide these important discussions, here are 7 key questions every parent should ask school administrators about their weapons detection plans.
- How Does the System Detect Concealed Weapons?
Parents should start by understanding the system’s underlying technology by asking:
• Does the system use advanced AI to enhance threat detection beyond metallic objects?
• Can it identify threats like firearms, knives, and other concealed objects, even when hidden in bags or under clothing?
• Can the system detect both ferrous and non-ferrous metals? Such as 3D-printed guns and knives? - Will the System Be Efficient Without Disrupting School Routines?
A key concern for parents is how the system impacts daily operations. Ask about its speed and ease of use.
• How many students can the system screen in 15 minutes before the start of school?
• Will individuals be required to divest large metallic items while going through screening?
• How likely are students and guests to follow system protocols?
An advanced X-ray system that uses AI to analyze images and immediately identify threats can help to eliminate the need for manual bag checks and is ideal for students with multiple large metallic items like laptops, electronics, and instruments to ensure more completeness of search with less human effort.
While school districts must make these difficult decisions, know that the speed/security challenge is occurring on all levels. At the federal level for instance, the Department of Homeland Security is actively working to address this concern for airport travelers by utilizing High Definition-Advanced Imaging Technology to help meet the needs of passengers while also improving the speed and accuracy of threat detection. The trade-off between efficiency and security is a persistent challenge that requires ongoing assessment and innovation. - How Does the School Plan to Monitor and Respond to Alerts?
Even advanced systems require monitoring and response protocols. Parents should ask:
• Who will oversee the system and manage alerts?
• Is the security team trained to respond swiftly to potential threats?
Rapid response is essential. A study in the Journal of School Violence shows that intervening within the first five minutes of an alert can reduce the severity of incidents by up to 70%. - How Will the School Know Who’s Entering the Premises?
Weapons detection is most effective when paired with robust visitor management systems. Parents should ask:
• Will the WDS integrate with a visitor management platform to know both who and what prohibited items are coming into the school?
• Will a child predator background check be required before a visitor can receive a badge to enter?
• Does the system offer a feature to enhance child safety during pickup that alerts parents with a notification and photo of the person picking up their child, allowing the parent to verify the person’s identity? - Can the System Detect and Respond to Evasion Tactics?
Individuals intending harm may attempt to evade detection. An advanced WDS with evasion detection can recognize and address such attempts. Administrators should inquire about a system’s ability to:
• Identify suspicious behavior, such as avoiding detection zones.
• Alert security teams when someone tries to bypass the screening process.
• Monitor the entryway. (Is the operator at the entryway or assisting others while the entryway is exposed?)
• Does the district have a policy and compliance around unauthorized areas and access?
Proactive evasion features identify and address threats before they can escalate. The whole perimeter needs to be secure also. - How Does the System Address Data Privacy and Bias?
Parents must also consider the ethical and security implications of WDS technology. Systems that comply with SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) standards ensure that data handling meets rigorous privacy, security, and confidentiality benchmarks.
Patents should ask:
• Does the system store personal information? If so, how is it protected?
• What measures are in place to mitigate algorithmic bias and ensure equity in the screening process?
• Are the encryption keys used to encrypt client-side data protected against AI supercomputers and quantum computing decryption methods?
By choosing solutions that prioritize SOC 2 compliance, schools help safeguard sensitive information while demonstrating a commitment to the ethical use of technology. Transparency in data handling builds trust and confidence among parents and the broader community. - What Is the Overall Safety Plan?
Weapons detection systems are most effective when part of a comprehensive safety strategy. Parents should ask:
• How the weapons detection system will fit within and integrate with a school’s broader security framework.
• Complementary initiatives such as staff training and mental health support for students and staff.
A well-rounded approach demonstrates the district’s commitment to long-term safety, ensuring that physical security is complemented by preventive and supportive measures for students.
No weapons detection system can guarantee 100% of all potential weapons threats, but by asking these seven questions, parents can actively participate in the decision-making process, ensuring that the chosen system meets the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Together, parents, educators, and administrators can create an environment where children are protected and able to focus on learning.
Lisa Falzone is a mother of two, a California native, and co-founder and president of Athena Security, read more about them HERE.
