DEMING – Deming Public Schools will begin using OPENGATE weapons detection systems this week at several intermediate, middle and high school campuses as part of a new district security procedure.
The district said the system is intended to enhance safety for students, staff and visitors by automatically screening people for weapons and other items not permitted on school property.
According to information released by Deming Public Schools, the first live screening and training sessions will take place during morning student arrival times. Early College High School is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12. Deming Intermediate School is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13. Deming High School and Red Mountain Middle School are scheduled for Thursday, May 14.
The district said OPENGATE will be used for live screening during the remainder of the school year, with random screenings also planned. District officials said the phased use will allow staff to evaluate the process and make changes before the start of the 2026-27 school year.
Students and visitors entering intermediate, middle and high school campuses will be subject to screening. Students will walk through the OPENGATE system while carrying their backpacks. However, some metal items must be removed before screening, including Chromebooks or laptops, tablets, three-ring binders with metal rings, metal lunch boxes, metal pencil cases and metal eyeglass cases.
Those items will be handed to a staff member or placed on a table before the student walks through the system. If the system does not alert, the student will collect the items and continue to class. If the system alerts, a secondary screening will be conducted to determine the cause.
The district is asking parents to speak with students about the new procedure and to remove unnecessary metal objects before students arrive at school. Officials also recommend zipperless computer sleeves and plastic containers or cases when possible, since metal containers may trigger an alert.
Deming Public Schools said vendors and staff evaluated several products before selecting the CEIA OPENGATE system. CEIA describes OPENGATE as a portable, two-pillar weapons detection system designed for high-throughput screening of people carrying backpacks, purses and bags. The company says the system weighs about 25 pounds, can be set up quickly and can be used indoors or outdoors. (CEIA)
CEIA says OPENGATE was released in April 2021 and uses active electromagnetic detection technology to detect ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The company says the system was developed in response to needs from professional and college sports venues, theme parks and event locations seeking faster screening with fewer nuisance alarms. (CEIA USA)
The system is now used in a range of public venues, including schools, stadiums, hospitals, theme parks, performing arts centers, government buildings and universities. CEIA’s school safety website says the company’s technology is trusted by professional sports venues, federal checkpoints, amusement parks and thousands of schools. (CEIA USA)
While OPENGATE and similar systems are increasingly being adopted by school districts across the country, officials also note they are only one part of a broader safety plan. Deming Public Schools said no school district, business or public entity is immune from violence, but the district will continue looking for ways to protect students and staff.
The district said families should allow extra time and patience during the rollout, since the new screening process could affect school drop-off and arrival procedures.
