Education

Event Safety Initiative: Tulsa Public Schools Takes the Lead

With the threat of gun violence potentially impacting sporting events, Tulsa Public Schools identified the imperative to enhance security. In alignment with statewide efforts for stricter security measures, the district emerged as a trailblazer in creating a secure environment for extracurricular activities, including instituting clear-bag policies. Going beyond rhetoric, Tulsa Public Schools made substantial investments to fortify safety measures during athletic events, highlighting the district’s unwavering determination to provide a secure environment.

As part of the 2023-24 school year safety initiative, Tulsa Public Schools implemented comprehensive updates and enhancements to robust safety measures and security technology. Prioritizing the safety of students and team members as the utmost priority, the district actively sought out best practices and technological advances. With 77 learning communities comprising Oklahoma’s largest school district, each school site had the flexibility to tailor safety plans and protocols to its unique needs.

Acknowledging the need for a weapons detection system within their security priorities, the district conducted comprehensive research and issued a call for competitive bids to identify a screening tool that would achieve a balance between effectiveness and non-invasiveness.

The Challenge: Finding Best-in-Class Technology for School Athletic Events

Tulsa Public School District Director of Athletics, Mick Wilson, and Chief of Campus Police, Dr. Matthias Wicks, were tasked with finding the best solution for keeping TPS middle and high school events safe for all involved. The challenge would lie in balancing heightened security needs with preserving a positive and open atmosphere. Tulsa Public Schools recognized that adopting a thoughtful approach that prioritized efficient screening without causing unnecessary delays was critical for a positive experience.

Achieving this balance involved finding a technology that was both accurate and non-intrusive, allowing for a smooth flow into events while ensuring the capability to detect all potential threat items—from large weapons to knives, box cutters, and even vapes.

During the evaluation process, Metrasens Ultra stood out. Leveraging magnetic detection technology, Metrasens embodied a proactive and accurate approach to identifying potential risks. Additionally, as a completely passive technology, the system does not emit harmful radiation, ensuring safety for everyone, including individuals with medical implants or expectant mothers. Uniquely flexible for use indoors and outdoors, the system has a portability factor that allows easy movement within and between facilities, and without the need for any physical contact. Overall, its sleek design and small form factor added to its attractiveness.“When evaluating the technology, Metrasens impressed us as a seamless weapons detection system. It is an unbelievable piece of technology.” Wilson stated.

The adoption of Metrasens Ultra serves as an additional layer of defense, complementing existing security protocols such as the district’s clear bag policy, contributing to a secure yet welcoming environment at school athletic events.

Dr. Matthias Wicks, Chief of Police at Tulsa Public Schools, points out key factors influencing their vendor selection: “We chose Metrasens based on the system’s flexibility, the verification process, the optics, and the company’s support in terms of training and implementation.”

Metrasens Ultra: Elevating Security at Tulsa Public Schools

Implemented across various sites within the Tulsa Public Schools district, thirty-four Metrasens Ultra systems now effectively screen entrants to football games and other athletic events, with plans to extend usage to other extracurricular activities and school events.

The system’s effortless ability to transport from school buildings to football fields, with a swift setup within seconds, provided a substantial advantage. Its user-friendly design streamlined the process, allowing seamless movement both indoors and outdoors, effectively tackling the practical challenges inherent in dynamic event settings.

This intentional choice underscores a commitment to promptly address security concerns in alignment with the district’s needs. “As we move forward in the future of safety around sporting events and school safety, Metrasens is going to become an essential part of what we do,” said Wilson. “Here in Tulsa Public Schools, Metrasens systems have already become a big part of our security process each night during games. Our campus police team and our security team deploy the weapons detection system in a way that makes people feel safe.”

Metrasens Ultra’s success extends beyond detecting threat items. Notably, it served as a powerful deterrent, dissuading individuals from attempting to bring prohibited items into school grounds and events. An example includes vape pens, which are prohibited at school events and activities, on district property, or on the school bus.

“Ensuring a secure environment across all Tulsa Public Schools district facilities, including school halls, campuses, and interscholastic athletic events, is our top priority. To accomplish our goals, Metrasens Ultra technologies have been deployed alongside steadfast safety protocols to protect the well-being of everyone in attendance,” said Chief Wicks.

Metrasens Ultra: A Beacon of Safety and Positive Community Impact

Community feedback on the implementation of Metrasens Ultra was overwhelmingly positive. Mick Wilson noted that some community members drew parallels between the screening experience and airport security—a comparison he views positively as it sends a clear message of prioritizing safety.

Wilson emphasized the simplicity of the screening process, highlighting its significance in making people feel secure. As a parent and active community member, Wilson values the non-invasive and easy screening experience, contributing significantly to a sense of comfort.

The system’s proven accuracy in detecting threat items further solidifies its role in ensuring a secure environment.

Wilson stated, “Metrasens Ultra not only provides an extra layer of protection, but it is also very easy to use and transition through, making entry into venues hassle-free. I really appreciate that, not only as an athletics director, but as a parent. It’s reassuring to know that, not only am I being screened, but the people before me are also being screened, providing a level of confidence and a feeling of safety, overall.”

These positive experiences and tangible results reinforce the value of Metrasens Ultra in creating a secure environment for everyone involved. Furthermore, the implementation aligned with the community policing philosophy, offering opportunities for communication and relationship-building with individuals passing through the system. The Metrasens Ultra system became a talking point, with people expressing appreciation for the commitment to safety and the confidence it instilled in event attendees.

The positive feedback extended to partners and administrative staff, as Chief Wicks highlighted, “The seamless screening experience provided by Metrasens Ultra has contributed to the peace of mind of parents, participants, and staff during game nights.”

Collaborative Security: Tulsa Public Schools and Metrasens in Sync

The collaboration between Metrasens and Tulsa Public Schools is marked by proactive engagement and shared objectives. Metrasens played a pivotal role in guiding the deployment of their Ultra systems across multiple sites. To ensure seamless integration, a meticulously organized three-day onsite training program was conducted for the Campus Police, Athletic Department, school administrators, and school staff. This comprehensive training aimed not only to expedite the implementation of Metrasens’ solution but also to instill a profound sense of comfort and confidence among users regarding their proficiency in operating the system. This hands-on approach undeniably contributed to the resounding success of the partnership.

This collaboration goes beyond the mere implementation of technology; it reflects a shared vision for a more secure and safe environment. Tulsa Public Schools and Metrasens are committed to creating a space where patrons, students, and staff feel not only appreciated and valued but, above all, unequivocally safe. This commitment extends beyond the tangible aspects of technology, serving as a testament to the genuine dedication of both organizations to nurturing an environment of security and well-being for all.

As Tulsa Public Schools leads the way in advancing safety protocols in K-12 schools, Metrasens remains dedicated to supporting their ongoing security initiatives, reinforcing the symbiotic partnership that prioritizes the safety and well-being of the school community.