Elkton High School implements weapon detection system for sports events

ELKTON — As part of efforts to keep students safe, attendees of Elkton High School football games this fall will have to pass through a weapon detection system before entering the stadium.

According to Leitgeb, the system is designed primarily to scan for ‘mass casualty style’ weapons, including guns and large knives, and will allow attendees to keep their belongings on them so as to not slow down entrance to the stadium. School officials noted that EHS football games average roughly 1,200 attendees, and other fall sports games can bring in 3-400.

“We are introducing the CEIA OPENGATE weapons detection system to enhance the security measures and safety for our students, staff, and community alike,” Elkton High School Principal Dr. James Leitgeb wrote in a letter to EHS parents and guardians. “This advanced security technology is a walk-through detection system designed to identify and prevent unauthorized or potentially harmful items from being brought onto our campus.”

The new system is consistent with Elkton High School’s strict policy banning weapons on school grounds for any reason.

Leitgeb noted that the system is portable, and the school plans to make use of it beyond the fall sports season.

“We are doing this for our fall events, and eventually we do plan on using [the system] for our indoor winter games,” said Leitgeb.

The OPENGATE system is comprised of two upright detectors that will be placed at the entrance to the stadium, which will likely look familiar to those who have gone to a professional sports game or concert recently. CEIA, an Ohio-based metal detector manufacturer, touts that the system scans bags and backpacks automatically, allowing lines to proceed through the gates faster.

“This system is highly effective yet minimally intrusive, allowing students, staff, and visitors to enter school premises without significant delays or disruptions,” Leitgeb said.

The implementation of the system is part of a partnership between EHS and Elkton Police Department. According to Leitgeb, EHS staff will man the gates and, in the event of any alerts from the system, EPD officers and the School Resource Officer will be on hand to help handle the situation.

“One of my highest priorities as principal is the safety of our students and guests,” Leitgeb said. “This is true not only during the school day, but at night time events as well.”

Leitgeb also noted that the purchase of the system is part of a grant-funded pilot program and, if successful, other schools in Cecil County will make use of similar systems.

The detection system will be in use at Elkton’s home football opener on Sept. 6 at the school’s stadium.