Hancock County Colleges Look at New Security Choices | Information, Sports activities, Jobs

DEMONSTRATION – Aaron Blevins of CEIA USA was in attendance on the Hancock County Faculty Board assembly on Monday, displaying off the corporate’s Opengate System steel detector. –Craig Howell

NEW CUMBERLAND — Hancock County Colleges is exploring the potential for updating a few of its security measures, with the varsity board receiving a demo Monday of some potential gear.

Deputy First Class Brian Cunningham approached the board with a advice for the Opengate system produced by CEIA USA.

“This can be a weapon detection system that I might like to see in each college in Hancock County,” stated Cunningham.

Cunningham pitched the thought to the varsity board after attending a current convention.

Aaron Blevins, an utility engineer from CEIA, was readily available, giving an virtually hour-long presentation on the system.

“I might come to work with you as a lot or as little as you need”, stated Blevins.

In keeping with Blevins, the CEIA has been in operation for greater than 55 years, with methods in 119 college districts throughout the nation, in addition to Common Studios and Walt Disney theme parks, Kings Island and different amusement parks, a number of Division I universities and varied skilled sports activities services. Their methods have been utilized by the US Secret Service since 1988 and are at the moment utilized by the US Transportation Safety Administration’s pre-screening program in any respect US airports.

“That is the world we dwell in now”, Blevins stated, additionally encouraging the varsity board to take a look at different methods in the marketplace earlier than making a choice.

The Opengate system is wi-fi and could be managed by way of tablets, smartphones or different designated units, with Blevins explaining that these units could be beneath full management of the varsity district. System sensitivity could be established and adjusted by the varsity system, relying on whether or not it’s on the lookout for specific objects or whether or not officers consider a reputable risk has been acquired. The parameters may even be completely different from one college to a different, relying on the wants.

“You possibly can dial in an actual setting that is sensible for Hancock County,” he stated.

Board member Gerard Spencer, Weirton Police Division sergeant, requested about potential limitations, with Blevins admitting the system will not choose up all the things, relying on the fabric used on the merchandise or its measurement , however he’ll get probably the most.

Blevins famous that colleges will all the time need established safety officers and legislation enforcement, corresponding to on-site prevention officers, to be concerned.

Board member Larry Shaw requested about college students attending the John D. Rockefeller IV Profession Heart who’re required to deliver sure instruments into the ability. Blevins stated insurance policies will have to be established for these college students.

Spencer additionally requested if it could be attainable to carry an energetic demonstration, corresponding to at a basketball sport, to see how the system can deal with crowds. Shaw beneficial doing one at Weir and one at Oak Glen.

No resolution was made on the system, or every other potential system, at Monday’s assembly.