Fairfax County Public School to get weapons detectors for its middle schools

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) — More weapons detectors are being installed in Fairfax County Public Schools to improve safety.

The Fairfax County Public School District (FCPS) announced Monday that the devices will be placed in all middle schools.

“I think it’s better to be safe than sorry,” Emme Elmore, who will be a 7th grader, said. “And I’d rather them catch it at the beginning to keep people safe.”

The decision comes after FCPS said in June, weapons detectors would go into all high schools.

A student suffered serious injuries following a stabbing at Alexandria’s West Potomac High School back on April 23.

FCPS did not say if the school had the devices, as it rolled out a pilot program at randomly selected high schools.

“I think it’s a good idea,” parent Jen said.

She has a student in the school district.

“A lot of scary things happening in schools these days,” Jen said. “A lot of kids are bringing weapons to school. It’s, it’s terrifying as a parent.”

The weapons detectors, according to Reid, are similar to systems already used at school district events.