Cheatham County Schools to Implement New Weapons Detection System in Middle and High Schools

The Cheatham County School District is reinforcing its commitment to student and staff safety with the introduction of a new weapons detection system at its middle and high schools this year.

Recognizing that the safety and well-being of students and staff remains one of its highest priorities, the district continually evaluates and improves its security protocols. As part of these efforts, the district is installing the OpenGate Weapons Detection System, a technology also used at large-scale public venues such as concerts, sporting events, and amusement parks.

Each morning, students will pass through the system as they enter the building. Staff members will be stationed at each entry point to supervise the process. Certain items—including instruments, three-ring binders, tablets, and laptops—will need to be handed around the system rather than carried through.

If an abnormal object is detected, the system will trigger both a visual and audible alert. The student will then be asked to place their belongings on a nearby table and walk through the scanner again. If the student clears the second scan, staff will proceed to inspect the items that did not go through the scan.

Should a student be unable to pass through the system after a second attempt, a school administrator or school resource officer may conduct a search of the individual.

The district will provide additional information to students and families before the new system is implemented.

Officials emphasize that maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment requires continued evaluation of safety strategies and strong collaboration with families. Open communication, early reporting of concerns, and attention to students’ mental and emotional health are key components in fostering school safety across the district.