Houston County in Georgia Expands Weapons Screening Across Middle and High Schools
Students, staff and visitors will undergo entry screening as the Georgia district introduces detection equipment at middle and high schools.
- By Chelsey Arries
- November 02, 2026
Georgia’s Houston County School District is expanding weapons detection equipment across every middle and high school, with each campus starting screening after staff training, according to WMAZ and the district’s website.
According to the district’s rollout schedule, high schools were scheduled to begin training and using CEIA’s OPENGATE system the week of Oct. 26, followed by middle schools the week of Nov. 2. Campus staff will supervise entry, with a security guard also assigned to each school.
Students, staff and visitors will pass through individually. Certain belongings, including laptops, tablets and metal three-ring binders, must be carried separately from bags.
An alert may prompt another pass through the equipment or additional screening away from the main entry lanes. Trained administrators and designated employees may examine belongings or use handheld screening equipment to identify the cause. The district notes that permitted objects can trigger alerts.
Existing visitor identification and check-in requirements remain in effect. Visitors who decline screening will not be allowed further entry into the building.
About the Author
Chelsey Arries is assistant editor of Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.