BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – The Berkeley County School District has launched a random weapons screening pilot program at Philip Simmons High School, part of a broader initiative to strengthen campus security across the district.
The district’s new security announcement comes one day after deputies say they arrested a teen Tuesday at the school for bringing a loaded gun with an extended magazine.
The first deployment occurred Wednesday morning, with students randomly selected to pass through portable screening devices. Officials say the screenings are designed to be non-invasive and unpredictable, targeting both safety concerns and deterrence.
“We have consistently strengthened and expanded our security and emergency management efforts,” said Superintendent Dr. Anthony Dixon, citing prior efforts like K-9 sniffs, clear bag policies, and after-school event screenings.
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- Deputies: Student Arrested After Bringing Loaded Gun To Goose Creek High School
- Police: Berkeley High Student Arrested for Bringing Loaded Gun to School
“Piloting the random deployment of weapons screeners during the school day further illustrates our ongoing commitment to evaluating school safety and security enhancements for our students and staff,” he continued.
The district emphasized that the screenings will not follow a set schedule. Instead, they’ll pop up at various times and locations on campus, with BCSD Security and Emergency Management staff on-site to assist.
If a student sets off an alert, they’ll be asked to walk through again. A second alert prompts a secondary check with a handheld wand, officials said.
“Safety and security is our number one priority,” the district said in a statement. “We appreciate the community’s understanding as we explore every possible measure to prevent violence on our campuses.”
Principal Jody Buchholz and the team at Philip Simmons are the first to participate in the weapons screening pilot program. Whether the initiative expands to other schools will depend on how effective the district finds this trial run.
