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Brevard Public Schools Installs OpenGate Weapons Detection Systems in All 16 High Schools

By  //  March 13, 2025

GENE TRENT: Safety is always front and center here at Brevard Public Schools

Metal detectors installed at Cocoa High School this academic year detected a handgun in a student’s possession on Monday morning, according to a Brevard Public Schools official. According to a BPS spokesperson, the weapon was promptly confiscated, and the yet-to-be-identified student was taken into police custody.

Brevard Public Schools Completes Installation of OpenGate® Weapons Detection Systems in All 16 Traditional High Schools

Brevard County, FL – March 12, 2025 – Brevard Public Schools (BPS) is proud to announce that the OpenGate® weapons detection systems are now fully installed in all 16 traditional high schools. This significant enhancement underscores our commitment to the safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff. 

Key Points:

  • Commitment to Safety:The safety of our students, faculty, and staff remains our highest priority. The completion of the OpenGate® system installation across all traditional high schools is a testament to this commitment.
  • Efficient and Non-Intrusive Screening:OpenGate® systems quickly and non-intrusively scan for dangerous items, ensuring smooth foot traffic and minimal delays during school entry.
  • Clear Procedures for Alerts: If an alert is triggered, individuals will pass through the gate again. Persistent alerts will lead to secondary screening.

“I’m thankful to the School Board and our partnership with the Sheriff’s Office for this additional layer of security,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell.

BPS will continue to prioritize transparent communication with parents and guardians, ensuring they are fully informed about the new procedures and their impact on daily routines. Our goal is to maintain a safe, welcoming environment for all students while minimizing any educational disruptions.

BREVARD COUNTY • FLORIDA — Metal detectors installed at Cocoa High School this academic year detected a handgun in a student’s possession on Monday morning, according to a Brevard Public Schools official.

According to a BPS spokesperson, the weapon was promptly confiscated, and the yet-to-be-identified student was taken into police custody.

“The weapon was immediately confiscated, and the student was placed into police custody,” said a BPS spokesperson.  “All students on campus are safe. We understand how upsetting this news is, but we are fortunate to have these systems available on our campus to ensure our students’ safety.

BPS Board Chair Gene Trent said the proactive installation of the advanced weapons detection systems OpenGate at Cocoa High helped ensure the safety of students.

“Safety is always front and center here at Brevard Public Schools,” said Trent.

BPS Board Chair Gene Trent said the proactive installation of the advanced weapons detection systems OpenGate at Cocoa High helped ensure the safety of students. “Safety is always front and center here at Brevard Public Schools,” said Trent.

Last year, Brevard Public Schools officials announced the district would 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 began to install OpenGate walk-through, state-of-the-art weapons detection in 2024. All high schools will be complete by March 2025.
■ 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 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 items removed from backpacks to prevent unnecessary alerts.
■ Clear Procedures for Alerts: If the system triggers an alert, the individual is 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.

“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 to maintain a safe, welcoming environment for all students while minimizing educational disruptions,” said Trent.

Brevard Public Schools installed advanced weapons detection systems flawlessly to ensure the safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff. “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.
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