UTICA — In the first few days using the new weapons detection system at Proctor High School, students and staff have already shaved some 15 minutes of time off the process, said Acting District Superintendent Brian Nolan.

“It’s getting quicker,” he said. “It’s an adjustment for the students and the security people as they learn the system.”

“We have 2,700 students here to get inside and it is really getting better every day,” agreed Principal Joshua Gifford. “The first day we had some longer lines but we are working to eliminate those and getting the process done much more efficiently. We will continue to make any adjustments needed to keep everyone at Proctor High School safe.”

The new system was purchased after a high school student attacked another Oct. 31 with a knife that had not been discovered by the previous entryway detectors. Nolan said in researching that system, they found it was designed mainly to detect larger weapons like rifles and machetes and used at large venues like sports stadiums.

“Now we have the right equipment that is long-established for use in a school building,” Nolan, who came to the district in October just before the incident, said.

The cost of the new system was around $250,000 for 10 walk-through detectors and 10 bag scanners, Nolan said. There are three sets in the main hallway entrance, two in the cafeteria entrance and one each at the main office and Arcuri entrances. That leaves three more sets in reserve, Nolan noted.

Much like airline security, students place their backpacks, cell phones and items from their pockets on a table to be sent through the bag scanner for an X-ray check. Then the students walk through the standup detectors and gather up their belongings on the other side.

Nolan said students can help keep the lines moving by being prepared to empty their pockets as they approach the detection equipment.

Gifford said the first day of full system use was Nov. 28 as students returned from their Thanksgiving break. In the days following that Monday morning, he met with staff and security personnel daily for their input on how to streamline the process even more.

By Thursday morning, the system seemed to be running quite smoothly at the main hallway entrance. Students were all warm inside the building and out of the blustery winds as they looped through the auditorium awaiting their turn at the detectors.

Knowing they are safe inside their school building will help provide the maximum learning environment, Gifford noted.

“Our no. 1 priority is the safety of our students and the safety of our staff,” he said. “It’s difficult to get the students’ best academic performance without first providing them with safety and comfort in the school building.”

Nolan said he appreciates all of the students for their cooperation and patience since Oct 31 as the administration addressed the replacement of the detector system.

“We have wonderful kids who have been so cooperative and I want them all to feel safe and secure in the building,” Nolan said. “Our kids deserve the best.”