An Important Message Regarding Weapon Detection Screening

December 4, 2024

Dear IRSD Families & Guests,

The Indian River School District is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students, staff, and visitors attending boys basketball games at our Indian River and Sussex Central High School gymnasiums. As a result, beginning this winter athletic season, weapon detectors will be used at the gymnasium entrances during boys basketball games. The presence of weapon detectors provides added security, ensuring that everyone in the gymnasium has been screened. To ensure you are aware of our new procedures this year, we are providing the guidelines and important information below.

Screening Process:

• All spectators must pass through a weapon detector to be admitted into the gym. Those unable to use a walk-through weapon detector will be screened with hand-held metal detectors.
• Large objects (stadium chairs, umbrellas, etc.) will be passed to an employee around the detection system and will be subject to search with the hand-held metal detector.
• Spectators who do not consent to weapon detection screening will be denied entry.
• No individual will be selected for screening based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, physical appearance, manner of dress, or association with any group.
• As per state law, no weapons, even with a carry permit, are permitted in the gym or on the school campus.

Spectators are not permitted to enter the gym with any bag that does not comply with the district’s bag guidelines. Security personnel, at their discretion, may determine what constitutes a prohibited bag. Spectators may be asked to open their permissible bags for inspection by security before entering the gym. These procedures are designed to create a safe and secure environment for everyone. Thank you for your cooperation.

Football Stadium Bag Guidelines

Approved Items	Prohibited Items
Single clear plastic/vinyl bag (no larger than 13”X15”)	All large bags or tote bags
One clear plastic tote or one clear gallon-sized storage bag	Backpacks Bookbags
Small bags no larger than 5”X7”	Coolers

Guidelines for Spectators:

• Spectators must proceed through the weapon detector screening area to gain admission.
• Follow all instructions provided by the gate security screening staff, which includes school employees and Indian River School District Constables.
• If a metal object is detected, a secondary screening with a hand-held metal detector will be conducted.
• The hand-held metal detector will be passed along the front, back, and both sides of the person being scanned without touching the body. If it detects an object, the spectator will be asked to produce the item triggering the signal.
• Anyone found in possession of a prohibited item will be asked to return the item to their vehicle and undergo re-screening before being admitted.
• All illegal items (e.g., firearms, knives, or other weapons) discovered during screening will be turned over to the Delaware State Police for investigation.

Important Reminders:

• Spectators who refuse to undergo the weapon detection screening will be denied entry. No refunds will be given.
• Re-entry to games is not permitted.
• No one will be allowed entry into the gym after halftime.
• Spectators may not wear full-face ski masks or gators.
• Children under the age of 13 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
• It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance of the game by using GoFan. On site sales will be available.
• Special Entry Procedures:
• Approved media, cheerleaders, band, referees, and team support staff with bags will enter the gym through a designated gate.
• Staff and volunteers with prior approval to work at football games will be provided with a credential badge.

We thank you in advance for working together with us to ensure a safe experience for our students, staff, and visitors during our home boys basketball games.
 

Sincerely,

Dr. Jay F. Owens
Superintendent