RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - School violence continues to be a growing concern among parents, students, and education professionals nationwide. Locally, police departments and the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office have responded by conducting active shooter drills to prepare for potential threats. Preventive measures are being implemented throughout the state, spanning K-12 schools and institutions like Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).
One of the steps universities like MTSU are taking to prevent shootings is the installation of gun detection systems. MTSU Police Chief Edwin Kaup noted that these detectors are already being used at various events... Such crime-fighting technology has become increasingly common, making it a standard expectation at large public gatherings... In addition, MTSU has adopted a clear bag policy for sporting events, speeding up entry lines while enhancing safety...
The university’s weapons detection system is being funded by a $1.8 million grant from the Office of Criminal Justice Programs' Higher Education Safety Grant. This funding is part of a broader $30 million initiative benefiting other higher education institutions across Tennessee. Alongside this system, MTSU has upgraded campus lighting to brighter LED fixtures, helping to deter crime in previously dim areas. Communication with outside law enforcement has also improved, thanks to new in-car radios purchased through the grant.
Managing the locking and unlocking of over 200+ doors at MTSU has been an ongoing challenge, but new technology promises positive changes... The university has been in the process of rolling out a system allowing centralized control of building access with just a click, which is expected to enhance security for students and staff alike...
At the high school level in Rutherford County, the schools launched a pilot program funded by a Safe Schools Grant to evaluate an automatic weapon detection system called "Evolv Weapons Detection." This system is being tested at Oakland Middle School and two alternative schools within the district. Similar to technology being used at MTSU, it allows individuals to walk through poles equipped with scanners that detect weapons without requiring them to stop. If a weapon is detected, the individual is directed aside for further screening by school safety personnel. See a video from RCS on the system HERE.
