KANSAS CITY, Mo. — When the Oak Park Northmen played Friday at Ruskin High School, fans will encounter a new security measure.
The Hickman Mills School District implemented to use of handheld security wands Sept. 13 for last week's home game against North Kansas City and plans to have metal detectors in place for all home basketball games later in the school year.
“Everyone entering was compliant and allowed for the process to take place and went on into the game and enjoyed," Hickman Mills School District Superintendent Yolanda Cargile said.
Cargile said all fans attending Ruskin High School sporting events will be screened moving forward.
“I went through it last time," Terra Charles, a parent in the district, said. "We had a game last week, and I feel great. I know that everybody’s going to be safe. We don’t have to worry about anyone coming in with weapons or anything happening, so I feel really safe on the inside of the game."
Hickman Mills said it's being proactive, joining professional, collegiate and other high schools around Kansas City and the country with enhanced safety protocols.
“I feel confident that I can say to any parent, any one of our board members, any community stakeholders, that we have a process in place to ensure that attendees are safe," Cargile said.
The Kansas City, Missouri, Grandview and Kansas City, Kansas, school districts also use metal detectors or wands.
"Currently, at all of our home football games, patrons are screened upon entry with a metal detecting wand," Grandview School District spokesperson Sheba Clarke said. "The process is similar to what is done at sport athletic venues nationwide. We implemented this process last school year. This effort is just one proactive measure used to help ensure the safety and security of students and staff and to maintain a family-friendly and fun atmosphere for patrons at our athletic events."
The Center School District said it always has a police presence at its games.
"We have Kansas City police officers present at our well-attended athletic events, but we do not currently use metal detectors or wands as part of our practice," Center School District spokesperson Christina Medina said.
Hickman Mills parents said they appreciate the security improvements.
“I think it’s actually great, because a lot of people have a negative image about our district and we are doing everything we can to keep everybody safe and make sure everybody’s happy and they feel welcomed when they come into our district," Charles said. "So, I think it’s great that they’re doing that."
Cargile said the addition of wands and metal detectors comes with minimal cost but brings a big impact.
