By Porter Brooks, news editor

This school year, all PENNCREST schools installed vape detectors in bathrooms and locker rooms to monitor areas where surveillance cameras cannot be installed. 

According to the website, HALO detects carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate concentrations, humidity, volatile organic compounds (VOC), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the air. This multi-sensor is capable of vape detection, smoke detection, THC detection, and sound detection of abnormalities like gunshots and shouting in areas a camera cannot be placed. 

Superintendent Timothy Glasspool shared that the detectors, which cost $1780 per unit,  were installed to assist with student and staff safety. The hope is that they will make PENNCREST a safer place for students to learn and teachers to teach.

Overall the detectors have been a positive addition according to Principal Erica Howick. “They are very helpful and have decreased in incidents since they were installed,” Dr. Howick said. “It has also been helpful to provide air quality alerts when fans or other systems are not functioning properly so that maintenance can respond to issues.” 

Dr. Howick did note that initially, they were sending alerts frequently, but over the last couple of weeks, there has been an improvement.“I feel like they have been very effective and many of the alerts have led directly to issues that needed to be addressed immediately.”