OPENGATE Detection Devices FAQ

State-of-the-Art Screening and Detection Technology

Prince George County Public Schools utilizes OPENGATE object detection devices at its campuses to screen students and visitors as they enter the building. The detectors are capable of detecting a wide range of metallic items, including knives and firearms, ensuring prohibited items do not make their way into our schools.

This page is designed to provide more information about the OPENGATE devices and what our school community and building visitors can expect when they utilize these units.

A Walkthrough: OPENGATE Detection Devices at PGCPS Campuses

Beginning on the first day of the 2025-26 School Year, students and visitors to PGCPS’ campuses will be screened using the OPENGATE object detection devices at main points of entry at J.E.J. Moore Middle School, N.B. Clements Junior High School, and Prince George High School during the school day.

To learn more about the OPENGATE object detection device experience for students and visitors to these buildings, click each item or the triangle icon to reveal more information.

While In Line at the OPENGATE Screening Area

Take this time to remove items that may activate the screening units from your bag, including Chromebooks / laptops, electronic tablets (iPads, or similar devices) and three-ring binders.
Tables will be available to allow for comfortable sorting of your items prior to the screening area. Bins will also be available to place your items in as well.
While you can bring your backpack, purse, and/or sports bag through the screening units, please listen to staff at each screening area regarding your personal bags.

Approaching & Passing Through the OPENGATE Screening Area

Listen to staff at each screening area for directions regarding when to step forward and through the screening area.
Pass any items that may activate the screening units from your bag, such as Chromebooks / laptops, electronic tablets (iPads, or similar devices) and three-ring binders, around the units to staff. They will be provided back to you promptly after walking through the screening area.
Step through the screening units when directed to do so by staff.
Once cleared, listen to staff at the end of the screening area for directions to leave the area and proceed through the building to your destination.
Remember to check behind yourself to ensure you have collected all your belongings after going through the screening process, including those you passed around the units to staff and inside any bins you may have used.

What Do the Lights on the OPENGATE Screening Units Mean?

If the light is GREEN when passing through the OPENGATE screening units, this means no potentially harmful objects have been detected.

Once cleared, listen to staff at the end of the screening area for directions to leave the area and proceed through the building to your destination.
Remember to check behind yourself to ensure you have collected all your belongings after going through the screening process, including those you passed around the units to staff and inside any bins you may have used.

If the light is RED when passing through the OPENGATE screening units, this means something has been detected by the units. The red lights will be paired with an audible alert.

If this occurs, listen to staff at your screening area for directions as they will guide you to a separate area nearby for secondary screening. This may include a check of your backpack, purse, sports bag, and/or other items you brought through the screening units.
For more information, review the section, "What Happens if the OPENGATE Screening Unit Activates."

What Happens if the OPENGATE Screening Unit Activates

If the OPENGATE screening unit activates, there will be an audible sound and the towers will illuminate with a red light.
If this occurs, listen to staff at your screening area for directions as they will guide you to a separate area nearby for secondary screening. This may include a check of your backpack, purse, sports bag, and/or other items you brought through the screening units. You may also be asked to double-check your pockets to ensure something didn’t inadvertently activate the system.
After the secondary screening, you will be asked to step through the screening units again.
Once cleared, listen to staff at the end of the screening area for directions to leave the area and proceed through the building to your destination.
Remember to check behind yourself to ensure you have collected all your belongings after going through the screening process, including those you passed around the units to staff and inside any bins you may have used.

If at any time you need assistance, including students and guests with disabilities, please speak to staff at the screening area to ensure your needs are met and supported.

Frequently Asked Questions
Click each question or triangle icon to reveal the answer to each item in the FAQ below.

When will the OPENGATE object detection systems be in place?

Are object (and/or weapons) detection systems the same as metal detectors?

What type(s) of object detectors are being used?

Who is operating the object detectors?

Who will pass through the detectors and what is the process?

Students, visitors, and guests will pass through the OPENGATE object detector units one at a time. Prior to stepping through the detector units, items should be removed from bags, such as Chromebooks / laptops, electronic tablets (iPads, or similar devices) and three-ring binders.

Tables will be available to allow for comfortable sorting of your items prior to the screening area. Bins will also be available to place your items in to pass around the screening units to staff. If the alarm sounds, the individual will step to the side for a secondary screening to determine the cause of the alarm.

For more information, review our helpful guide on this page that outlines the OPENGATE object detector user experience.

What is secondary screening and when does it happen?

If the system alerts as a student or visitor passes through (an alert will be denoted by an audible sound and red lights at the top of the OPENGATE), operators will direct the student or visitor to another nearby area, away from the primary screening lanes, to conduct a secondary screening. This allows the OPENGATE lanes to process students and visitors more rapidly.

For more information, review the section, "What Happens if the OPENGATE Screening Unit Activates."

Will the OPENGATE object detection systems alert to non-prohibited items?

It’s important to note that OPENGATE object detection systems may alert on some items that are allowed to be in our schools, including: Chromebooks / laptops, electronic tablets (iPads, or similar devices) and three-ring binders.

The purpose of secondary screening is to determine the reason for the alert. Secondary screening will first attempt to determine if the alert is originating from a permissible item, and whether the alerted item is on the individual or carried in their backpack or bag. Additional levels of screening may be necessary to include using a handheld device or conducting a search of their backpack or bag.

For more information, review the section, "What Happens if the OPENGATE Screening Unit Activates."

Who conducts the secondary screening?

Will the OPENGATE object detection systems slow the entry process?

These systems are designed to provide fast and efficient screening of multiple people at the same time, allowing for a natural flow of entry. During the initial implementation, some delays may be experienced; however, the goal is to minimize any potential disruptions to the entry process.

The comfort of our students and visitors is essential to us alongside taking all steps to create secure learning environments in our schools. At J.E.J. Moore Middle School, N.B. Clements Junior High School, and Prince George High School, building enhancements, including additional awnings, are in the works to provide shelter on their way into the building.

How sensitive will the settings be on the object detection system?

Sensitivity settings will be decided by PGCPS, with careful consideration of the Division’s specific needs and requirements to ensure an optimal balance between maintaining security and minimizing false alerts.

Sensitivity levels may be increased for an added layer of safety and to enhance the system’s ability to detect weapons and other prohibited items, as well as provide additional peace of mind for the school community.

What kind of things does the OPENGATE object detection system detect?

What happens if a weapon or prohibited object is found?

What if a student or visitor refuses to pass through the OPENGATE object detection system?

Does this mean students will be required to use clear backpacks?