School Safety Measures Enhance Surveillance
The Bahamas Ministry of Education and Technical & Vocational Training and the Royal Bahamas Police Force have strengthened school security by deploying handheld metal detectors at schools throughout New Providence.
Addressing Safety Concerns
In recent years, Bahamian schools have faced significant safety concerns due to students bringing various weapons onto campuses. The most frequently seized items include knives, screwdrivers, scissors, and makeshift weapons created by students, such as desk legs with sharp objects inserted into them. Additionally, there have been reports of students bringing alcohol, gambling items, and even a plastic firearm.
Security Measures
These security concerns have led to the implementation of security initiatives such as random bag checks and the presence of School Resource Officers (SROs) on campuses. These measures have helped reduce the frequency of violent incidents, such as stabbings.
Ministry’s Commitment to Safety
The Ministry is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of teachers, staff, and students across the country. "We recognize that our schools should be a place where both education and safety are paramount, and we are taking proactive steps to ensure that remains the case," said Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Technical & Vocational Training, Ricardo Deveaux. "These scanners represent a crucial and critical investment in our security measures, helping to prevent unauthorized items from entering our campuses and ensuring that our students and our staff are learning and working in a safe environment."
Demonstration and Warning
A demonstration was held for the press to see the handheld metal detectors in action, and weapons that have been found on students at schools. Director of Security at the Ministry, Bruce Arnett, warned students and members of the public not to bring anything prohibited on school campuses, as the scanners will be able to detect them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the metal detectors?
The metal detectors are designed to detect and prevent unauthorized items from entering school campuses, ensuring a safer learning environment for students and staff. - How will the metal detectors work?
The metal detectors will be used in conjunction with random bag checks and the presence of School Resource Officers (SROs) on campuses to ensure that schools are secure and safe. - Will the metal detectors detect all prohibited items?
The metal detectors are designed to detect a wide range of prohibited items, including weapons, explosives, and other objects. However, it is not a foolproof system, and students are warned not to attempt to bring prohibited items onto school campuses.
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