The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) to provide new OpenGate weapons detection systems at Memorial Stadium. The devices allow guests to walk through without emptying their pockets and they can detect devices that may be weapons. The new systems enable security personnel to move event guests through the security checkpoint much quicker than the previous system.
When asked how this partnership came about, GSCS Director of Security Donald Britt said, “The Sheriff’s Office reached out and asked me if the school system needed any equipment to help with security. I told them of our need for a better system at Memorial Stadium and they took care of it for us. This system will help us operate more efficiently and keep event guests and student-athletes safe. We are thankful.”
Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix said, “We are always looking for opportunities to partner with the GSCS to enhance student safety. This state-of-the-art equipment allows students, athletes, parents and fans to feel safer while attending school events. We look forward to continuing to work hand in hand with the school system to increase everyone’s safety.”
Spalding County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with GSCS for years by providing school resource officers in all four middle schools and Spalding High School. They also facilitate the annual Jr. Deputy Sixth-Grade Washington D.C. Trip. Last school year marked the 75th year of the Washington D.C. field trip.
A similar weapons detection system, Evolv, has been in place at both Griffin and Spalding High for over a year.