RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — The new weapons detection system being rolled out across Rutherford County Schools, Open Gate, will now be in place at high school varsity football games starting next week and varsity basketball games during the winter season.

"We want our schools to be the most secure available in Tennessee and beyond,” RCS spokesperson, James Evans, told News 2.

Evans said the system is very similar to the ones seen at Nissan Stadium, Bridgestone Arena or any sort of concert venue. He added that there will be plenty of signage and reminders sent out to parents about the change in security measures.

"It'll be an adjustment. We know that. We're seeing that with students, too, and it does slow down arrival somewhat, so we're asking students to get there early," Evans said. "Spectators should plan for the same thing at our games, but we know that once people get used to it, it'll get more efficient, and we'll, of course, speed up."

Evans says the overall feedback from parents on Open Gate has been positive. When News 2 reached out to parents on Facebook, comments read things like "It's about time!" and "Love it!" However, not everyone has gotten on board with the new technology.

"It's like these kids are walking through a prison,” Terri Breakey, a Blackman High School parent, told News 2.  “...It’s not going to stop a kid, a child or even an adult [from] coming into the school. If they really want to get in there, they're going to get in there."

RCS said it may take time for people to get used to the new system, so arrive early, and be ready to wait in line.

Three of the district’s largest schools — Rockvale High School, Blackman High School and Stewart Creek High School — are completing their training with Open Gate this week.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/weapons-detection-rcs-games/