METAL DETECTORS IN SCHOOL VS AI

As we approach the mid-2020s, the debate over school safety measures continues to evolve.
While metal detectors have been a longstanding solution, emerging AI technologies are challenging this traditional approach. Let’s examine how these two methods compare in addressing school security concerns.
THE LEGACY OF METAL DETECTORS

CREDIT: PRESS OF ALTNTA CITY
Metal detectors first appeared in schools during the 1980s, primarily in urban areas, as part of a “get tough on crime” strategy [6]. At that era there was limited options. Their use peaked in the late 1990s, with about 10% of U.S. schools employing them [4]. Despite their longevity, the effectiveness of metal detectors remains questionable:

• Limited Detection: As of 2017, New York City schools reported that 57% of weapons were
  found without scanning devices [3].
• Inefficiency: For every 23,000 students scanned, only one dangerous item was found [3].
  Invasive search results in long line.
• Mixed Research Results: A comprehensive review of 15 years of research found no
  apparent effect on reducing injuries, deaths, or threats of violence on school grounds [7].
• Radiation concerns: repeated exposure to radiation, even if it’s low, poses a concerns
  about potential cumulative effect, specifically to growing up children, pregnant and
  person with medical devices.
  UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES
  Metal detectors in schools often lead to several unintended outcomes:
• Academic Impact: Studies suggest that metal detectors contribute to poorer student
  relationships with teachers and increased odds of students avoiding school entries [8].
• Racial Disparities: Schools with metal detectors tend to have more Black students and
  fewer white students, potentially exacerbating existing racial inequalities in the education
  system [9].
• School Climate: Metal detectors can negatively affect students’ perceptions of safety and
  the overall school environment [8]. To many, it resembles prison
  
  THE RISE OF AI IN SCHOOL SECURITY

CREDIT: ACCELEYE, AN AI-POWERED WEAPON DETECTION IN A SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICE IN CALIFORNIA
As we move into 2025, AI-powered solutions are gaining traction in school security:

• Advanced Detection: AI-based systems can detect a wider range of threats, including
  behavioral anomalies, not just metal objects.
• Reduced False Alarms: AI algorithms can more accurately distinguish between harmless
  objects and potential weapons, reducing disruptions.
• Real-time Monitoring: AI can continuously analyze security camera feeds, identifying
  potential threats before they escalate.
• Reuse existing camera system: AI can be introduced to existing video security system
  with minimal effort and cost.
  
  COMPARING THE TWO APPROACHES
  EFFECTIVENESS
• Metal Detectors: Often fail to identify weapons, with some reports showing failure rates
  as high as 95% in similar settings like airports [2].
• AI: Can potentially identify a broader range of threats and analyze patterns to predict
  potential incidents.
  STUDENT EXPERIENCE
• Metal Detectors: Creates long lines and instill a sense of fear in students [3].
• AI: Can operate more discreetly, potentially reducing student anxiety while maintaining
  vigilance.
  COST AND IMPLEMENTATION
• Metal Detectors: Require significant upfront costs and ongoing staffing for operation [5].
• AI: Takes advantage of existing video security system, it can potentially reduce long-term
  staffing needs and offer more scalable solutions.
  THE WAY FORWARD
  Metal detectors have been a visible response to school safety concerns, but their effectiveness
  is increasingly questioned. AI-powered solutions offer effective alternatives, potentially
  providing more comprehensive and less intrusive security measures.
  However, it’s crucial to remember that technology alone cannot solve all school safety issues. As
  Ben Fisher, a professor at the University of Wisconsin, notes, “Make sure every student has an
  adult in the building who they know cares about them. Have young people feel like they belong
  in school and have a stake in the broader school environment” [1].
  As we move forward, a balanced approach that combines technological solutions with
  community-building efforts proves most effective in creating safer school environments. The
  transition from old solutions to new technologies should be carefully considered, ensuring that
  the focus remains on creating a positive, secure learning environment for all students.
  REFERENCES:

1. Mike Sullivan, 11 Jan 2023, Question Everything: Do metal detectors at schools really
   works?, CBS Boston, https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/question-everything-dometal-detectors-at-schools-really-work/
2. WestEd Justice & Prevention research center, ARE METAL DETECTORS EFFECTIVE
   AT MAKING SCHOOLS SAFER?, WestEd, https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED595716.pdf
3. National School Safety and Security Services, School Metal Detectors,
   https://schoolsecurity.org/trends/school-metal-detectors/
4. Garrett, Why You Should Have Metal Detectors in Schools, Garrett.com,
   https://garrett.com/blog/why-you-should-have-metal-detectors-in-schools
5. Jaclyn SchildkrautKathryn Grogan, Wested, Are Metal Detectors Effective at Making
   Schools Safer?, https://www.wested.org/resource/are-metal-detectors-effective-atmaking-schools-safer/
6. Abigail Hankin, Marci Hertz, Thomas Simon, Feb, 2011, Impacts of metal detector use in
   schools: insights from 15 years of research. Pubmed,
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21223277/
7. Summary of Literature, 2020-2021, ISD 287’s Metal Detectors, Wilder.org,
   https://www.wilder.org/sites/default/files/imports/ISD287_MetalDetector_LitReview_5-21.pdf
8. Aissatou Diallo, 17 Feb 2023, A fight for decades: examining the effects of metal detectors
   and over-policing in New York City public schools.
   https://www.columbiaspectator.com/city-news/2023/02/17/a-fight-for-decadesexamining-the-effects-of-metal-detectors-and-over-policing-in-new-york-city-publicschools/