You wanted information on area states that have installed metal detectors in their schools and how the process was implemented.

SUMMARY

A legal database search of area states’ laws reveals that the installation of school metal detectors is only specifically addressed in New York. That law contains provisions allowing the education commissioner to provide additional building aid or competitive grants to school districts for metal detectors or other security devices. Otherwise, school metal detector installation is authorized and funded at the local level. However, since 2002, many municipalities across the country have received federal “Secure Our Schools” matching grants to improve school security, including by installing metal detectors and other safety devices.

STATE LAWS

After reviewing the statutes of the New England states, as well as New York and New Jersey, it appears that only New York law contains provisions specifically relating to metal detectors in school buildings. New York school districts may apply for competitive grants for school safety and extended day activities through the Omnibus School Violence Prevention grant program. School safety activities eligible for funding under the program include the installation of metal detectors, intercom

and other intra-school communication devices, and other devices to increase school security and the safety of school personnel and students (NY Education Law §2814).

New York law also authorizes the education commissioner to provide school districts with additional building aid (in accordance with its building aid formula) for approved purchases of stationary metal detectors and other security devices (NY Education Law §3602). The statute requires the education commissioner to annually prescribe a special cost allowance for metal detectors and security cameras, which may not be exceeded. Portable or hand-held devices are not eligible for funding.

Generally, local boards set their own rules for installing metal detectors. For instance, in response to gang violence in the area surrounding a public high school in New Haven, Connecticut, the district’s security officer, Captain Charles Grady, approached the superintendent regarding the installation of standing metal detectors. In addition to having the matter approved by the board, discussions were held with students, parents, and community groups on the issue. Grady also met with juvenile court administrators to make them aware of the plans.

Since then, the district has installed an additional standing metal detector in another high school and uses hand-held security wands at several other schools. Procedurally, Grady makes a recommendation for the use of metal detectors based on the number of incidents and annually submits budget requests for the equipment (up to $ 7,000 for a standing detector). According to him, his requests have always been approved, with funds drawn from the capital budget. Parents are notified by mail when metal detectors are installed. Grady indicates that the devices are usually well received.

FUNDING

While local districts are responsible for funding the installation of metal detectors, some federal funding is available through the Secure Our Schools Act (Public Law 106-386. ) The act creates a voluntary matching program to provide municipalities with 50% of the funding they need to install metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other equipment to help deter crime. The grants can also be used to pay half of the cost of security assessments, security training, and other measures to provide a significant improvement in security. The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services administers the program. It was funded for the first time in 2002 at $ 2 million. In October of 2004,

the DOJ awarded grants totaling $ 9. 8 million to 220 municipalities in 42 states. These awards included a $ 50,000 grant to the city of Bridgeport and a $ 25,0000 grant to the New London Police Department. Additional information about the program can be found at www. cops. usdoj. gov.

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