Philadelphia on Monday begins screening and searching middle school students for weapons, citing an increase in “gun-related incidents and violence” across the city.
Students in grades six through eight will now go through weapons screenings, which will be conducted at every middle and elementary school with middle grades at least once before the end of the school year, at the rate of six schools per day. According to the district, school safety personnel will use a metal detector to search students in school entryways or other locations like auditoriums or lunchrooms, typically in the mornings.
The district defines “weapons” as a range of objects including firearms, pellet or BB guns, knives, cutting tools, nunchaku, brass knuckles, electric shock devices, mace, or “any other tool or object used to inflict serious bodily injury.” Any weapon found during the screening process will be confiscated and not returned. Any student in possession of a firearm will be detained and referred to the Philadelphia Police Department.
The district officials said they understand that this level of screening “may feel intrusive and inconvenient,” adding that they’re committed to implement the process with “transparency and sensitivity towards the various and unique social, developmental and societal factors.”
According to Reginald Streater, a member of Philadelphia school board, this year so far has seen 96 people between the ages of 13 and 19 shot, and 12 people younger than 18 killed.
Over the past year, Philadelphia recorded 559 homicides, the highest since the city began tracking the figure in 1960. Close to 2,000 others were shot and survived. Out of all 10 American cities with a population greater than 1 million residents, Philadelphia has the highest violent crime rate.
