Hinsdale D86 Tests Weapons Detection Systems

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale Central and South high schools will be testing weapons detection systems starting Tuesday, District 86 announced Friday.

In a statement, the district said it believed weapons screening would provide another layer of security. That's in addition to security officers, video cameras and door access controls, among other things.

The testing is scheduled to last through Feb. 24. It will be conducted at various entrances during school and at after-hours events, the district said.

The two systems are Evolv Express and OpenGate. Both use pillars or towers to scan people and their belongings, the district said. They are portable and can be used at outdoor venues.

"We have also been told that the systems don’t typically require people to empty their pockets or bags, but will issue alerts on Chromebooks because their shape, size and density are similar to certain types of weapons," the statement said. "This means that the devices will need to be removed from bags prior to scanning. With this in mind, we want to determine what impact, if any, this may have on the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations."

For more information, email the district's security director, Kurt Bluder.