Worried about weapons sneaking into schools? Fret no more! Prince William County Schools have decided to take matters into their own hands by installing 81 Evolv weapons detection scanners. After a heated debate over the perfect shade of lipstick to put on this pig, the School Board unanimously agreed that Evolv scanners would be the saving grace for their middle and high schools.
The four-year lease for these glorified metal detectors comes with a reasonable price tag of $10.7 million. But wait, there's more! Don't forget the additional $725,000 per year to pay staff who will ensure the "security lanes" are properly secured. It's like hiring a bouncer for your kid's birthday party!
Superintendent LaTanya McDade says the scanners are the "critical next step," but board members agree they're not the perfect solution. However, this extra layer of protection should surely deter any nefarious individuals from thinking about bringing weapons to school. After all, who needs to address the root causes of violence when you can just install a few scanners?
As we all know, the school environment is a battleground where the war on drugs, mental health issues, and the availability of guns converge. Thankfully, Prince William County Schools have decided to tackle these issues head-on with scanners that can detect knives, guns, and explosives—sometimes. Critics argue that the scanners might not be as effective as advertised, but really, who needs 100% accuracy when it comes to school safety?
The scanners are said to be a step up from traditional metal detectors, but some venues that use them still require guests to empty their pockets or open their bags. And while Evolv claims its scanners can detect knives, the sensitivity scale can be a bit…sensitive. At higher sensitivity settings, the system is more likely to pick up knives but might also trigger false alerts. It's like playing Russian roulette with school safety!
The plan is to roll out these nifty gadgets after the start of the 2023-24 school year, ensuring they don't add to the already chaotic first days of school. Once installed, the scanners will cover multiple entry points at every high school and middle school, creating an almost impenetrable fortress of 'safety.'
Board Chair Babur Lateef admits that it's disappointing that they've reached this point, but hey, they're doing something, right? So, Prince William County parents, rest easy knowing that your kids are protected by a multi-million-dollar security system that may or may not work as intended.
