Gold Mining Centre: Security: Walk through Detectors- Applications

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Loss Prevention

One of the greatest obstacles for a company in achieving effective loss prevention is the costly expense of personnel. Even with a metal detector station, it generally requires two or three guards for effective screening, but the are optimally utilised for only 15 to 20 minutes a day when employees are entering and exiting the building.

The Hi/Lo Auto Supply distribution centre in Houston, Texas, has established a fully-automated metal detector screening process, which requires only one guard for the protection of its assets at their 400,00-square-foot warehouse. Their electronic security system consists of one Garrett CS 5000 walk-through metal detector operating in conjunction with surveillance cameras, a monitor and a video cassette recorder.

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In this type of security system, one central employee exit/entrance is established where the electronic loss prevention security system is installed. The video camera and monitor are set up for continuous operation with the metal detector, and the VCR is set up in Standby mode and will begin recording one an alarm from the metal detector is triggered. The VCR will continue recording unit the subject clears himself/herself of the offensive object. The guard is responsible for searching hand carried items, such as bags and purses, and items removed from pockets. Employees essentially screen themselves and are responsible for clearing themselves before leaving the building.

The video tapes of all situations involving alarms are reviewed daily. They are generally stored for seven days, but if necessary can provide a record for evidence gathering.

"The system has definitely been a successful theft deterrent," according to Conrad F. Schuldt, Loss Prevention Specialist for Hi/Lo. "Employees challenged the capability of the metal detector system at first, but eventually the alarms became a hassle to them so they quit carrying or wearing items that would sound the alarm."

Garrett's extensive experience in the security arena over the past decade has allowed them to offer clients such as Hi/Lo expertise in the development of loss prevention systems that best fit their particular needs. Garrett's metal detectors have contributed to the success of security systems worldwide.

School

In 1993, the Fort Worth Independent School District was in trouble. Teenage gangs had a foothold in the city and were bringing their violence into the schools.

With a school enrolment of 75,000 students, there were 67 arrests made for carrying weapons on the school grounds. Attendance at school sponsored sporting events was at an all time low.

This was, in the eyes of the FWISD, intolerable. Something had to be done. After several committee meetings, it was decided that a new security plan must be implemented. metal detectors in all the schools were a part of this plan.

Garrett Metal Detectors was chosen to supply these detectors. Metal detectors were immediately placed at all 12 high schools. In accordance with the School Police Liaison Program, Fort Worth Police officers were available to observe their use and take action if weapons were found.

The program of random screening of students by classroom and 100% screening at sporting events and dances - via walk through detectors and hand held scanners - combined with the use of the K9 Corps, using dogs to sniff out drugs and weapons in lockers and cars on school property, has been an overwhelming success, according to those in charge.

This success has led to Garrett metal detectors being placed in the middle schools as well. A total of 37 Fort Worth Police officers are assigned to the school district as a part of the overall safety program of the FWISD. Included in their duties is observation of metal detector use.

Since the installation of the metal detectors, only one student has been arrested at an athletic event for weapons violations. Attendance at school sponsored sporting events is at an all time high.

"People just feel a lot safer now in attending school-sponsored sporting events," according to Pat McGhee, Area Adviser.

"The major reason Fort Worth schools are as safe as they are today can be attributed to a great extent - to Garrett Metal Detectors, " said McGhee.

"We would not have a metal detector program if it were not for Garrett," said RW Whiteside, Liaison officer for the Fort Worth Police. "They provide a complete program, including training and field support".

Metal Detectors are also stored at central facilities and used for sporting contents. Some have been used to screen as many as 10,000 people at a football game.