BCPS receives school safety equipment grant

Morganton, NC – Friday, Dec. 19, 2025

In a joint effort with the Burke County Board of Commissioners, Burke County Public Schools received a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services to purchase walk-through metal detectors for high school and middle school athletic events. 
The district intends to purchase 13 weapons detection systems for its four high schools and five middle schools. The initiative aims to continue the proactive steps started earlier this fall, including the use of handheld wand detectors and a clear-bag policy, and is not in response to any specific threat. 
The detectors are portable and can be used outside at ticket gates, such as football stadiums, as well as indoors at gym entrances for basketball games. Their portability also allows them to be used as needed for large events, such as graduation or even at elementary school events as needed. 
The grant funds for the detectors total $468,743, which is a portion of a $600,000 Burke County grant. The county is using a portion of the grant at a recreation ball field. As part of the grant stipulations, Burke County Public Schools will spend an additional $117,186, which is 25% of the grant, for enhanced safety measures. The Superintendent's Safety Council will work to prioritize how to best use any remaining funds on additional safety measures.  
According to Burke County Public Schools Student and Family Services Director Dr. Dillon Sain, the benefits of these walk-through detectors are:

• Increased safety and prevention – Detects firearms and other weapons before they enter events, reducing the likelihood of violent incidents.
• Non-intrusive screening – Attendees can walk through without stopping, emptying bags, or removing belongings, preserving dignity and reducing anxiety.
• Faster entry and reduced bottlenecks – Maintains flow compared to traditional metal detectors.
• Early threat identification – Allows administrators and SROs to respond immediately and appropriately when a weapon is detected.
• Supports a layered security approach – Enhances existing safety measures (SRO presence/clear bags)
• Scalable and flexible – Can be deployed at events or during heightened security needs.
• Improves perception of safety – Increases confidence among students, staff, families, and the community that proactive safety measures are in place.
• Deterrence effect – Visible screening can discourage individuals from attempting to bring weapons onto campuses.