Brevard Public Schools Install Advanced Weapons Detection Systems at Melbourne High School

part of a broader effort to enhance the protection of everyone on school premises

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA—Brevard Public Schools flawlessly installed advanced weapons detection systems at Melbourne High School to ensure the safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff.

On the first day of implementation, every student and staff member went through the weapon system, and the start of the school day was not delayed. These measures are part of a broader effort to enhance the protection of everyone on school premises without disrupting the day-to-day educational experience.

Brevard Public Schools officials said the district will install the OpenGate weapons detection systems at Space Coast high schools during the 2024-2025 school year, and key points include:

■ Commitment to Safety: The safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority. As part of this commitment, BPS has begun the phased installation of OpenGate® walk-through, state-of-the-art weapons detection at Melbourne High School flawlessly on its first day yesterday. All 15 other high schools will be complete by March 2025. The total device cost for the rollout to secure all high schools with three each and schools that have over 2000 students for each was $. Each high school requires individualized training and device location to maximize protection and traffic flow.
■ Efficient and Non-Intrusive Screening: The OpenGate® systems are designed to quickly and non-intrusively scan individuals for dangerous or prohibited items as they enter school buildings. This technology complements existing safety measures, including resource officers in schools who provide trained security presence and emergency response capabilities. Students and visitors will pass through the gates as they enter, with laptops or items removed from backpacks to prevent unnecessary alerts.
■ Clear Procedures for Alerts: If the system triggers an alert, the individual will be subject to a secondary search.

“I’m thankful to the School Board for providing this additional layer of security and our partnership with the Sheriff’s Office for working to get this state-of-the-art weapon detection system into our schools,” said BPS Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell.

As these systems are rolled out, Brevard Public Schools will continue to prioritize transparent communication with parents and guardians, ensuring they are fully informed about the new procedures and how they will impact daily routines.

The goal is maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for all students while minimizing educational disruptions.

As these systems are rolled out, Brevard Public Schools will continue to prioritize transparent communication with parents and guardians, ensuring they are fully informed about the new procedures and how they will impact daily routines.

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