Rome City Schools Expands High-Tech Security Measures with New Weapons Detection System

ROME, GA — Rome City Schools is ramping up its campus security this fall with the implementation of a new, high-tech weapons detection system across all elementary schools. The Opengate Weapons Detection System, a state-of-the-art walk-through scanner, will be in place to screen students, staff, and visitors, forming a key component of the district’s multi-layered approach to safety.

Already in use at major venues like stadiums, arenas, and hospitals across the country, the Opengate system offers rapid, non-intrusive screening designed to detect weapons and prohibited items while maintaining the flow of foot traffic. The portable system can be deployed both indoors and outdoors and will also be used at large after-school gatherings such as concerts, family nights, and high school sporting events.

The product is described online as:

OPENGATE®

A GROUNDBREAKING WEAPONS DETECTION SYSTEM

Automatic screening of people with luggage, backpacks, and bags for threat detection

• Fast, Automatic & Unprecedented Screening
• No Divesting of Luggage, Backpacks, Purses, and bags
• Extreme Transit Flow or Throughput, with Near Zero Nuisance Alarms
• Quick to Setup & Install – Weighs only 25 lbs. with less than 1 minute setup time
• Ready for Anything – Indoor and Outdoor Operations

Rome City Schools officials say the addition of the Opengate system reinforces the district’s ongoing commitment to student and staff safety.

“The safety of our staff and students is a top priority for Rome City Schools,” said John Fricks, Director of Instructional Technology, Safety, and Operations. “We know that adding the Opengate System further supports our Keeping Schools Safe Initiative. We will continue to work and implement emerging safety concepts at all of our schools so we can stay on the cutting-edge in safety.”

Visitors and parents entering schools during the day will undergo the same screening process as students, with devices like laptops removed from bags prior to passing through the gates to prevent false alerts. The system is expected to help minimize delays during peak times such as student drop-off, while increasing security.

This new technology complements an extensive list of safety upgrades recently rolled out across the district, including the addition of a School Resource Officer at Rome High School, increased perimeter patrols, random safety checks, and newly installed security film on all exterior doors. The district has also implemented initiatives like “Stop the Prop,” aimed at keeping building entrances secure, and appointed school administration managers at each elementary school to further bolster on-site supervision.

Rome High School and Rome Middle School already use the Evolv Weapons Detection System, a similar high-tech screening solution. Funding for these safety improvements was made possible through a state safety grant.

All eight Rome City Schools have also earned the Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness for the 2024–2025 school year. The distinction recognizes schools that meet stringent criteria in emergency planning, safety training, security technology, and data-driven safety assessments.

Rome City Schools’ proactive steps reflect a broader commitment to maintaining safe learning environments while embracing modern technology to meet today’s challenges.

From Rome City  Schools:

A new high-tech weapons detection system will go into effect at all Rome City Schools elementary schools this fall. The Opengate Weapons Detection System allows Rome City Schools to enhance the safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors by deterring and detecting the presence of weapons on our campuses.

This technology is one component of our comprehensive, multi-layered approach to school safety, which also includes emergency preparedness drills, mental health support, and a positive school climate.

All visitors and parents entering the school during the school day will be screened using the same process.

The portable Opengate System will also be used at the entrance to large after-school events, such as concerts or family nights, and will also be set up at high school sporting events.

“The safety of our staff and students is a top priority for Rome City Schools, and we know that adding the Opengate System further supports our Keeping Schools Safe Initiative,” John Fricks, Director of Instructional Technology, Safety, and Operations, said. “We will continue to work and implement emerging safety concepts at all of our schools so we can stay on the cutting-edge in safety.”

Opengate is a state-of-the-art, walk-through detection system that is already in use in stadiums, arenas, theme parks, hospitals, and many school districts across the country. It is portable and can be used indoors or outdoors at athletic events and other school gatherings, providing a flexible and comprehensive security option.

The Opengate systems are designed to quickly and non-intrusively scan individuals for dangerous or prohibited items as they enter school buildings. This technology will help maintain the flow of foot traffic, minimizing delays during student drop-off and entry into school while ensuring a safer environment for all. Students and visitors will pass through the gates as they enter, with laptops or similar items removed from backpacks to prevent unnecessary alerts.

The Opengate detection system is just one part of a multi-layered approach to enhancing school safety. Rome City Schools continues to add and enhance security measures, including an additional School Resource Officer at Rome High School, random safety patrols, campus perimeter patrols, participating in state-mandated safety drills, adding school administration managers at all elementary schools, instituting our stop the prop initiative, placing safety film on all exterior doors and more.

All eight Rome City schools were also awarded the Ready Georgia Seal of Preparedness for the 2024-2025 school year. Schools receiving the seal of preparedness met specific criteria that include emergency operations planning, drills and exercises, training, security technology, and data analysis.

Rome High School and Rome Middle School already have the Evolv Weapons Detection system in place and active. Rome City Schools was able to use safety funds earmarked from the state safety grant to purchase the systems.