New Gun Detection Systems at Columbia Public Schools Can Detect Vaping Devices

COLUMBIA, MO (KMIZ)

New gun detection systems at Columbia Public Schools will not only be able to identify weapons, but also detect vaping devices.

The district approved the purchase of Opengate weapon detection systems in April. The district has purchased 15 units, which will be placed at all three high schools when school returns in the fall.

The systems were tested at Battle and Hickman high schools during summer classes.

Michelle Baumstark, a CPS spokeswoman, wrote in an email that while the systems are primarily intended to detect weapons, they are also capable of detecting other prohibited items, such as vaporizers.

Baumstark said there were 163 tobacco-related incidents at CPS last school year that resulted in disciplinary action. That includes the use of vape pens and other tobacco products.

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