Weapons Detection in K–12: Building Trust Through Proactive School Safety

School safety leaders are increasingly prioritizing prevention—putting measures in place that reduce risk while preserving trust, transparency, and a welcoming school environment. As weapons detection becomes a more common layer within K–12 security strategies, many districts are asking how to implement it proactively and in ways their communities can support.

In this session, hear directly from Dr. Leon Farrow, Assistant Superintendent of Nash Public Schools, as he shares his district’s experience using weapons detection as a preventative layer of school safety across multiple schools. Dr. Farrow will discuss how proactive planning, clear communication, and thoughtful integration with existing safety protocols have helped strengthen security while maintaining daily school operations and community confidence.

Attendees will gain practical insight into how weapons detection fits within a layered security approach, how school leaders can set expectations and communicate effectively with stakeholders, and why prevention‑first strategies are becoming a cornerstone of modern K–12 safety planning. This conversation is designed to help school leaders move from reactive decision‑making to confident, proactive action.