In light of the deadly school shooting this week in Florida, NBC Charlotte is taking an in-depth look into the safety of South Carolina schools.
According to data obtained from the South Carolina Department of Education, from 2015 to 2017 statewide, there have been 851 weapon offenses in South Carolina schools.
The department defined a weapon as “a knife with a blade over two inches long, a blackjack, a metal pipe or pole, firearms or any other type of weapon, device or object that may be used to inflict bodily injury or death. This category also includes carrying in a concealed manner a dirk (dagger), slingshot, metal knuckles, razor or other deadly weapon usually used for the infliction of personal injury.”
“It makes me nervous,” said Trevor, an 8th grader in York School District One. “You never know when somebody is going to start shooting up the place.”
While Trevor's never seen a loaded gun on campus, he said it’s not uncommon for students to bring weapons to school.
“Sometimes they bring in pocket knives, or they bring in a bullet and other stuff that could be harmful.”
NBC Charlotte has learned 66 weapons offenses have occurred at districts in York, Lancaster and Chester counties from 2015 to 2017.
“It’s surprising yes,” said Charles Reid. “Something needs to be done.”
NBC Charlotte contacted the school districts to find out about their preventative measures to keep weapons out of schools. We learned there are no permanent metal detectors used at any districts in York, Chester, or Lancaster counties. However, Lancaster and Chester school districts do have mobile metal detectors that are used at random.
“They should add that stuff to make sure nobody’s carrying anything illegal,” said Trevor.
There is security and or a deputy at all schools in Chester County. In Lancaster County, all middle and high schools have school resource officers.
In York County, all schools are supported by an officer. Some districts share school resource officers.