Leave the tote bags behind: Henrico schools implement new safety protocol for football games

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Everyone loves Friday night football! On Friday, September 13, the Atlee Raiders and Godwin Eagles are just two of the many teams facing off all across Central Virginia. This season, fans attending games in Henrico need to be aware of some policy changes.

It’s Friday night lights … with light- er bags — or at least smaller ones.

For the rest of the football season, spectators have to leave large tote bags or backpacks behind while cheering on teams at Henrico County Public Schools football games.

This policy change comes after a recent deadly school shooting in Georgia and amid a recent wave of school threats both on the local and national scales. Security expert Cliff Lent, President of M7Solutions, said such frightening trends should prompt heightened security scrutiny and action like this.

“Recently, the tragedy in Georgia, the initial reports are that the student brought that rifle in the school within a large bag, so I’m sure that weighs heavily in people’s decision making,” Lent began. “Making these policies of screening people, having a weapons detection system as they’re going to be doing and reducing bag size are appropriate measures when going into a mass gathering.”

In a statement, the school system said they’re constantly evaluating safety plans and modifying them as necessary.

Henrico fans can bring small bags, like purses, but they will be searched. All attendees, and their bags, will pass through weapons scanners. Additionally, current students must bring their student I.D. badge.

“I think it also adds a layer of accountability so that people don’t feel like they could just be anonymous in a crowd,” Lent said.

Henrico officials explained that it’s all about a commitment to safety. Lent agreed security and safety are top priorities, but people shouldn’t be scared to have fun and enjoy a game, as long as they’re prepared and smart.

“Go and enjoy everything,” Lent smiled. “Go to all of the sporting events, go to every activity that there is, but be a little bit better prepared than maybe you were in the past.”

Another existing Henrico football rule requires non-students 18 years old and younger must come with someone at least 21 years old.

Lent added that most school shootings happen outside of the building itself, so students and loved ones should be mindful of their space, know the rules and have a plan in place if things were to get dangerous inside — or outside — the venue.

“If people don’t feel like they can sneak a knife in or sneak a handgun in or they forget that they brought a handgun to an event, then inevitably they’ll go and put it back in their car,” Lent explained. “So, you know, having a comprehensive approach to inside and outside the venue is important.”

According to a Henrico County Public Schools spokesperson, the protocol change currently only applies to football games, but officials are continuing to monitor safety at all sporting and extracurricular events.

While small bags and purses are currently permitted, 8News learned that in the near future, the school system plans to roll out a clear bag policy for football games.

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