Beginning with Friday night's game against Sunnyside, attendees entering Dinuba High football games will pass through a full-time screening system designed to identify concealed weapons before they reach the stadium.
"We had people overwhelmingly tell us that they felt safe," said Dinuba Unified Superintendent Marti Kochevar.
The system, manufactured by Evolv, uses artificial intelligence technology to screen guests for weapons and other prohibited items. Similar systems have been used at professional sporting venues, concert arenas and other large public events.
"It's supplemental to all of our other security items. But it will pick up weapons, heavy metal items, and so that we can confiscate those before they enter into an event such as a football game," Kochevar said.
District officials tested the technology during the previous football season and said the response from students, families and community members was largely positive.
Because Dinuba High is the district's only high school, football games often draw large crowds from throughout the community. Kochevar said that makes event security a top priority.
"This is where people are on a Friday night, and of course, our desire is to keep our community safe and to have it be a happy, healthy environment for our families and our communities," she said.
The move comes amid heightened concerns about safety at high school sporting events. Earlier this year, a 17-year-old boy was killed in a shooting at a high school football game in Bakersfield. Last year, Clovis Unified School District also implemented the same weapons detection technology at its athletic events.
Kochevar said the system's presence appeared to influence behavior during testing.
"It's highly visible from a parking lot. So as people saw that and were approaching, and if you had something in your pocket or your bag, we did see a few people that thought twice about that. Maybe turn around and put the item back," she said.
District officials say the new screening system is intended to complement existing security measures and provide an additional layer of protection as thousands of fans attend games throughout the season.
For news updates, follow Vincent Camarillo on Instagram.