Requires all schools of secondary education to be equipped with metal detectors and requires that all persons who enter the school pass through such detector

1 Co-sponsor

• Ruben Diaz

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring metal detectors and their use in all schools of secondary education in the state

Purpose

This legislation would require secondary schools in New York to install and use metal detectors in order to increase staff and pupil safety.

Summary of provisions

The education law is amended by adding a new Section 409-j. This section would mandate that all schools of secondary education be equipped with metal detectors at all interior entrances.

Section 409-j(2) provides that all persons who enter the school building must pass through the detectors. Any weapons found shall be confiscated and the person in possession of such weapon shall be detained and dealt with by the proper authorities in accordance with the mandate of the law.

Existing law

Under current law it is not mandatory for schools to be equipped with metal detectors in New York State.

Justification

In the past several years, there has been a rash of school-related shootings in communities all around the country. These shootings have resulted in numerous deaths, injuries and trauma for students and staff alike. There were 36 victims at Columbine high school alone. In March of this year, a 15-year old student allegedly opened fire at his school killing one student and injuring fifteen others before being subdued. This student's friends were reportedly so concerned about his propensity for violence that they searched his back-pack before school began. Unfortunately, he is alleged to have hidden the gun on his person so his friends did not know it was there. Had metal detectors been employed at the school, this tragedy could have been averted.

New York is not immune from school violence. Thankfully there have been no fatalities so far but the potential certainly exists. Indeed, on April 5, 2001 an 8th grader in the Bronx was caught trying to smuggle four bottles filled with gasoline into his school. The gasoline was discovered after the aluminum foil that he used to wrap the bottles in set off a metal detector. This potentially deadly situation was resolved without harm thanks to the prudent use of a metal detector. This legislation should be enacted in order to help ensure a safe learning environment in our classrooms statewide.

Legislative history

S.2501 of 2007 02/06/08 REFERRED TO EDUCATION

Fiscal implications

UNKNOWN AT PRESENT TIME

Local fiscal implications

UNKNOWN AT PRESENT TIME

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of September next succeeding the date on which it shall have become law.