JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Some parents and students on Friday said they are in favor of Duval County Public Schools installing weapon detectors at elementary schools in the 2026-27 school year.
The district plans to equip about 30 elementary schools each year with CEIA OPENGATE walk-through systems, the same detectors that were installed at all Duval middle schools during the 2025-26 school year.
Duval County School Police Chief Jackson Short asked families to be patient during the rollout, saying there will be an adjustment period as students and staff learn the new procedures.
“Students and staff at our elementary schools deserve the same level of safety found at our secondary schools,†Duval County School Police Chief Jackson Short said. “By adding weapons detection technology to our elementary schools, we remain true to one of our core values — keeping students and staff safe.â€
The portable CEIA OPENGATE units are designed to detect knives, firearms, explosives and other potential threats while allowing people to keep personal items with them to maintain a steady flow of entry. Up to three systems will be placed at entry points at each school, and the units can be used indoors or outdoors.
School police officers, security personnel and trained school-based staff will operate the equipment and receive specific training on its use. Students will walk through one at a time; if a system alerts, the student will be directed to a nearby area for a brief secondary screening so the main line can continue moving.
Taylor Bennington said her children attend both Duval County's elementary and middle school.
“I think that metal detector, I think safety in schools in general is a great thing, but I think there could be a lot of other things that possibly funds could be allocated to for sure,†Bennington said. “Additional tutoring, things that are actually going to help the kids succeed.â€
Some students see it as a troubling sign of the time that unfortunately has become necessary.
“I think that in schools it's like obviously could be scary like the concept of children fearing for their lives in a school like learning environment I think is obviously a little scary,†Rebecca McEnany, a student, said.
Another local said the technology is necessary.
“Just for everyone's safety at this point, for teachers, the parents, you never know who's coming up to the school,†Jayla Hollowman said.
Many everyday items, such as laptops, metal eyeglass cases, umbrellas or metal lunchboxes, may trigger an alert and prompt a secondary screening that could include a handheld check or a backpack or bag search.
If a weapon or illegal substance is found, law enforcement will take possession of the item and the individual may face law enforcement action and school disciplinary measures under the Student Code of Conduct. If a student refuses to comply with the screening process, a parent or guardian will be contacted and the student may be sent home.
The district said the systems are designed to provide fast, efficient screening and maintain a natural flow of entry, but minor delays may occur during initial implementation.
A list of the initial elementary schools scheduled to receive OPENGATE systems will be released later this summer, and families can expect advance communication from school administrators before installation.
The district has said all students and visitors entering an elementary school will be required to pass through the weapons detection system.
“I never grew up in a generation where we had school shooter drills, code reds. We didn't have those. We had hurricane drills. We had fire drills. My kids have never been to school without having to practice school shooter drills or code red drills since they started, so. It is a sad reality,†Bennington said.
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