With the start of the 2025-2026 school year, entry screening equipment (scanners) will be used at all Red Oak ISD schools and event facilities. This marks the first year weapons detection system will be used during student and visitor entry into the school building. Weapons detection systems will be used to identify potential threats during after-school activities, including athletic events and School Board meetings.

The weapons detection system is more sensitive than traditional metal detectors. The scanner technology can more accurately identify metal sources that may be potentially harmful rather than sounding an alarm for all types of metal, such as coins.

The weapons detection system, developed by a company called CEIA and called OpenGate, is designed to screen large numbers of people, including their backpacks, quickly and efficiently. The free-standing weapons detection system is portable and suitable for indoor and outdoor use, making them a good choice for open-style campuses and traditional school buildings.

All students will pass through free-standing body scanners one at a time.

Visitors to school campuses will pass through the weapons detection system as well at the main entrance vestibule. Visitors can expedite the entry process by bringing only an ID into the building, securing unnecessary personal items in the vehicle.

Metal Detector Search Process

All students will pass through free-standing body scanners on at a time. Students with district issued devices must remove them from their backpacks. At the middle schools, students will hand their device and cell phone in Yondr pouch to a staff member who will return the device and pouch once the student has passed through the weapons detection system. At the high school, students will hold their device and cell phone in Yondr pouch overhead as they pass through the weapons detection system.

Should the metal detector alarm sound and/or turn red:

1. The student will be directed to move to one of the adjacent tables.
2. Red Oak ISD police, a uniformed security officer, or trained staff member will then search the student’s book bag, backpack, gym bag, or other parcel that the student has in his/her possession.
3. The student will be directed to remove any metal objects from his/her possession and for a second time be scanned. Students are responsible for producing any electronic device during metal detector screening and bag checks. The Red Oak ISD will not be responsible for any items damaged in the metal detector screening or bag checking process.

Should the metal detector alarm sound and/or turn red for a second time:

1. The student will be directed to remove any additional items potentially causing the alarm.
2. The student may be scanned with a hand-held metal detector.
3. The student will be directed to remove any objects detected by the hand-held metal detector.
4. Following the removal of any items detected by the hand-held metal detector, the student will be scanned with the hand-held metal detector for a second time. 

Should the alarm sound and/or turn red for a third time:

1. The student will be directed to move to an area as directed by the Red Oak ISD police/administrator/designee.
2. The officer/administrator/designee for a third time will request the student to check for any metal objects and to remove such objects.
3. If no objects are produced, the student will be escorted to the office area.
4. Should the student refuse to remove the object, the student will be detained by the officer/administrator. The student’s parents/guardians will be notified and requested to report to the school.

In all cases, the search process will cease when the student passes through the metal detector without activating the alarm.

A team of trained administrators, school safety police officer and members of the security team will manage and monitor the entry process.  

If a weapon or illegal substance is found, police will take possession of it immediately. The person bringing the item(s) onto school property will face potential law enforcement involvement and/or disciplinary actions aligned with the Red Oak ISD Code of Student Conduct.

They should tell a staff member before entering the screening area.

Families are encouraged to talk with students about the addition of scanners before the implementation.  There are many videos regarding the Open Gate detection system on social media. 

School counselors and social workers are prepared to support and assist as needed

To be effective, it is essential that the entire school community follow all safety protocols, including arrival procedures. If your child cannot pass through the metal detector for medical reasons, please contact the school nurse or the principal. Otherwise, the expectation is that all students will follow staff directions regarding this important safety matter.

If the students refuse this procedure, their parents will be called, and the students will be sent home. 

Any visitor who refuses to go through the scanner will be denied entry. 

Please be aware that OpenGate may alert on numerous items that are entirely permissible in schools, like 3-ring binders, laptops, eyeglass cases, umbrellas, and metal lunchboxes or pencil cases. The purpose of secondary screening is to determine the reason for the alert. Secondary screening will first attempt to determine if the alert is originating form a permissible item, and whether the alerted item is on the student or carried in their backpack or bag. Additional levels of screening may be necessary, including using a handheld device or conducting a search of their backpack or bag.

Yes. It uses harmless detection technology and does not store personal data.

No, but students with concerns should inform school staff.

OpenGate technology provides advanced weapon detection without the use of harmful radiation. Unlike traditional X-ray systems that rely on ionizing radiation, OpenGate uses safe, low-frequency electromagnetic fields to detect concealed weapons as individuals walk through the system. This dynamic, non-contact approach ensures that the screening process is completely safe for all individuals, including children, pregnant women, and those with pacemakers and other medical devices.