Anchorage Schools See Drop in Weapon Confiscations After Adding Metal Detectors

Suspensions for weapon possession have declined by two-thirds compared to last year.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:06pm

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The Anchorage School District has implemented new safety protocols, including the use of mobile metal detectors at school entrances, in response to a rise in student weapon incidents in recent years. The district has deployed the metal detectors about two dozen times this school year, leading to a significant drop in weapon confiscations and student suspensions compared to the previous year.

Why it matters

The new security measures aim to improve school safety and deter students from bringing weapons onto campuses. While some initially expressed concerns about the detectors, school administrators say they have helped address safety issues and won over skeptical staff and community members.

The details

After a gun was found in a student's backpack at West Anchorage High School on March 27, the school required all 1,500 students to pass through metal detectors when they arrived the following Monday. The district has deployed the detectors five times this year in response to safety concerns, and they have been used at about two dozen schools as part of a rotating schedule. Administrators say the detectors have already shown to deter students from bringing weapons to school in many cases. This school year, 20 students have been suspended for weapons possession, compared to 62 last year.

  • On March 27, a gun was found in a student's backpack at West Anchorage High School.
  • On March 30, West Anchorage High School administrators sent an email to parents about the use of metal detectors at the school.
  • The Anchorage School District began testing metal detectors at school entrances last spring.

The players

Jared Woody

Senior director of emergency management with the Anchorage School District.

Timothy Helvey

Principal of Eagle River High School, one of the first Anchorage high schools to test the use of metal detectors last spring.

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What they’re saying

“We're encouraged to see the numbers dropping. It's impossible to say definitively, but I think it's a good indicator that having additional tools, having that visibility, is hopefully deterring at least part of that previous student body that was bringing these things in.”

— Jared Woody, Senior director of emergency management

“Anytime you're using them, obviously you're increasing safety knowing what's coming through your door.”

— Timothy Helvey, Principal

What’s next

The Anchorage School District plans to continue using the metal detectors at school entrances and may deploy them more frequently to increase their deterrent effect. The district is also exploring other security measures, such as secure vestibule entryways at elementary schools, as part of a holistic approach to improving school safety.

The takeaway

The Anchorage School District's implementation of metal detectors at school entrances has led to a significant decline in weapon confiscations and student suspensions, demonstrating the potential of such security measures to enhance safety and deter students from bringing dangerous items onto campuses. While some initial concerns were raised, the district has worked to address these issues and gain broader support for the new protocols.