Weapons detection system to be used at Cape High football games

A new electronic weapons detection system will be used to screen attendees of Cape High football games beginning with the home opener Friday, Sept. 20.

At the Aug. 22 school board meeting, Supervisor of Student Services & Equity Initiatives Luis Cosme said the dual-lane system is more efficient than traditional metal detectors. Evolv Express can detect weapons such as guns and knives instantly from among items like keys and cellphones, he said.

A 10-person team will run the system, including ticket agents and a flow manager, he said. Two employees will oversee two monitors, and two constables will oversee an additional two monitors and can conduct searches if needed. An SRO will also be present so no one gets past the system, Cosme said.

Attendees can walk through at their normal walking pace, he said. They won’t have to touch or be touched by anything, unless it is determined that a search is warranted.

The system is also used by the Appoquinimink and Sussex Tech districts, Cosme said, as well as by the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles.

The district will send information to families and staff so they know what to expect before the first home game, Cosme said.

Superintendent Bob Fulton said it was important to try the security system on a limited basis and evaluate how to expand it to other sports throughout the year. Most people attending sporting events are accustomed to such detectors as standard procedure, he said.

For more information about the detection system, go to evolvtechnology.com/products/evolv-express.