Coweta Schools to Pilot Enhanced Security For Large Extracurricular Events

Weapons detection system and clear bags to be piloted at upcoming East Coweta-Northgate football game

The Coweta County School System will pilot new security measures during the upcoming East Coweta-Northgate football game on Friday, November 6th.

School personnel will pilot the use of an enhanced weapons detection system at the entrance of Shoemake Stadium during the upcoming football game, and will require clear bags for most items brought into the stadium for that event.

Portable walk-through screening gates (Athena weapons detection systems) will be added to the visitor and homeside entrances before the game on Friday. These measures are being used in addition to ordinary security measures and law enforcement personnel in place at all Coweta extracurricular events.

The measures are not being added for regular school-day operations, but only for large after-hours extra-curricular events that draw visitors to school campuses.

“We have had two incidents over the past year and a half where firearms were discovered during extracurricular athletic events on our campuses,” said Superintendent Evan Horton. “Fortunately, there was no larger incident involved with those firearms in either case. But the presence of prohibited weapons in a stadium or other campus venue poses an obvious danger to our students and visitors.”

Horton noted that the firearms in both cases were not brought by students at the competing schools, but by visitors to the school events.

“We know that the vast majority of visitors to our extracurricular events simply want to come and support the teams and the schools and enjoy a game,” said Horton. “We have a responsibility to our guests, our students and our employees to take prudent steps to ensure that these are safe events.”

The school system will also ask visitors to games to bring items in clear bags as a part of the security measures being piloted on November 6.

All spectators must comply with the following bag requirements:

• Clear bags: Transparent plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags not exceeding 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
• Small clutch bags: No larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″, with or without a handle or strap.
• One-gallon clear plastic bags: Permitted.
• Bookbags and backpacks: Strictly prohibited.
• Noncompliant bags: Will not be permitted into the stadium. Patrons will be asked to leave them in their vehicle.

Exceptions for medically necessary items may be accommodated following appropriate security inspection.

Visitors to Coweta Schools extracurricular events are also reminded that all Coweta County School System campuses and athletic facilities are designated drug-free and weapons-free environments. Georgia law (including O.C.G.A. § 16-11-127.1) establishes restrictions on weapons within school safety zones. Georgia law also prohibits certain drug-related activities on or near school property.

Firearms and other prohibited weapons are not permitted on campus grounds or at school athletic events, regardless of Georgia’s permitless carry law, except where expressly authorized by applicable law.

“We recognize that implementing new procedures may require additional time when entering our athletic facilities that evening,” said Coweta County School System Safety Director Danielle Rosa. “We encourage spectators to arrive early, travel light, and follow the directions of school personnel and law enforcement officers. We ask for everyone’s patience, cooperation, and understanding as our school personnel implement these enhanced safety measures.”

“The Coweta County School System remains committed to providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for our students, families, staff, and spectators attending athletic events,” said Rosa. “This additional layer of security builds upon our already strong foundation of safety measures, including the presence of certified law enforcement officers, emergency services personnel, and our valued public safety partners who work together to protect our school community during large-scale athletic events.”

“Enhanced weapons detection systems are not a replacement for our existing safety practices. They are an additional layer of protection that strengthens our longstanding partnerships with law enforcement, emergency responders, school administrators, and our community.”

Rosa said that the weapons detection gates that will be used at the East Coweta-Northgate football game may be used at other extra-curricular events going forward. “They may not be used at all such events, but we will reserve the right to employ these systems at any such event, particularly extra-curricular gatherings where a large number of non-school visitors may attend.”

Rosa added that the measures above are being piloted during the November 6 event, and that the school system will refine the new practices over time.