Back-to-School 2025: Enhanced security measures coming to GCPS in 2025-26

     Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is implementing new safety and security measures for the 2025–26 school year as part of its continued commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students and staff.

     These enhancements reflect the district’s proactive approach to school safety and include the deployment of advanced weapons detection systems, increased security staffing, and a renewed focus on community awareness and reporting. The new measures are designed to strengthen GCPS’ existing multi-layered safety framework, which includes partnerships with local and state law enforcement agencies, emergency preparedness protocols, and the use of modern security technology. Details of the new initiatives—including the installation of Evolv weapons detection systems at all middle and high schools, the hiring of additional School Resource Officers (SROs) and security guards, and efforts to reinforce the district’s “See Something, Say Something” culture—are outlined below.

New Safety and Security Measures:

• Evolv Weapons Detection System: GCPS is scheduled to deploy the EVOLV weapons detection system at middle and high schools during the 2025-26 school year. This system, which was successfully piloted at GCPS stadiums and basketball gyms during the 2024–25 school year, uses low-frequency electromagnetic fields and AI-powered software to help detect concealed weapons such as firearms, and weapons of mass destruction. Unlike traditional metal detectors, the Evolv system can distinguish between weapons and non-threatening metal objects, such as cell phones and keys, reducing the need for secondary screenings and ensuring a smooth, non-intrusive entry process. 

 

• School Resource Officers (SROs): GCPS currently employs 123 SROs, with two stationed at each high school, one at each middle school, and several across the elementary schools. The district’s police department also works with other law enforcement agencies to enhance security coverage at all schools. Additionally, GCPS plans to hire security guards to support the GCPS School Police Department while efforts continue to recruit and hire more SROs.

 

Strengthening On-Campus Security:

• Centegix CrisisAlert System: All GCPS schools are equipped with the Centegix CrisisAlert system, which allows staff to call for help discreetly. The system provides first responders with precise location details, including the specific floor and room.

 

• Security Cameras: More than 11,000 security cameras are installed across all GCPS campuses. Law enforcement can access these cameras remotely to support real-time response and investigation.

 

• Security Vestibules and Raptor System: All schools feature secure entry vestibules that allow administrators to control building access. The Raptor system screens all adult visitors against the National Sex Offender Registry to further enhance student safety.

 

Emergency Preparedness and Response:

• Safety Drills: All schools conduct regular safety drills, including lockdowns and fire drills, to ensure students and staff are prepared for emergencies.
   
• Stop the Bleed Kits: For more than a decade, GCPS has maintained Stop the Bleed kits in all schools. Staff are briefed annually on their location—typically near AEDs—and trained in their use. First Responder teams receive yearly training, and all bus drivers are equipped with kits and trained to use them in emergencies.

 

Health, Wellness and Prevention:

• Narcan Availability: As part of its commitment to student safety and well-being, GCPS has equipped all high schools with Narcan, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. Designated locations in each school house the nasal spray, and trained staff—including school resource officers—carry it with them at all times.

 

• Drug Education and Prevention: In partnership with Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale Public Health and Northside Hospital, GCPS has strengthened its drug education and prevention programs for students and families.

 

• Support and Intervention: GCPS counselors, social workers, and psychologists are trained to identify students who are at risk of violent behavior and to provide timely interventions to prevent escalation.

 

• GCPS Tips: As we enter the third year of implementation, GCPS Tips continues to be a resounding success. Available on both mobile and desktop, the app allows students, staff, families, and community members to anonymously report safety, security, or mental health concerns. Reports are monitored 24/7 to ensure timely responses to urgent matters. Users can attach photos, screenshots, videos, documents, or audio recordings to their reports and engage in two-way communication with a real person—features that help facilitate swift interventions. The mobile app also notifies users when action has been taken, reinforcing the value of their time and concern.