Security Updates For Athletic Events At Oklahoma Schools

Several Oklahoma schools are implementing new security policies after a deadly shooting happened Friday at the Choctaw-Mid Del football game.

Oklahoma City Public Schools Football Game Security Changes

At a news conference on Tuesday, Oklahoma City Public Schools said there will be new changes made at football games starting Friday.

Oklahoma City Police Lt. Wayland Cubit, also the OKCPS director of security, said the district reviewed their current security protocols, and decided only a few changes needed to be made.

Metal detectors were already in use by the district, but now fans will walk through a weapon detection system that only goes off when it finds specific weapons. If the alarm is triggered, the person will not be allowed in.

Administrators will be at every gate to stadiums, letting only students of the schools involved in the games attend unless they are with a guardian.

Also instituted was a no-bag policy, only allowing small purses and clutches.

OKCPS will have school resource officers and/or campus security present at athletic events.

OKCPS Superintendent Dr. Sean McDaniel said he wants to reassure parents that their kids are safe within the district, and that if you see something suspicious, to say something.

Moore Public Schools Football Game Security Changes

Moore Public Schools announced they will be requiring visitors to walk through metal detectors to enter the stadium starting with this week’s high school varsity games.

The district made the announcement on Facebook and said this change will enhance the safety and security of their fans, stadium staff, employees, athletes, coaches and all visitors.

Here’s the full announcement from the district’s Facebook page:

Dear MPS Community,

Starting with this week's high school varsity football games, all MPS fans and visitors will walk through metal detectors to gain entrance to the MPS Stadium.

This positive change will enhance the safety and security of our fans, stadium staff, employees, MPS athletes, their coaches, and all visitors. Fans who attend MPS varsity football games should prepare for delays at the gate entrances to allow all attendees and visitors to move through the scanners.

The MPS Stadium entrance standards are similar to those of other large event arenas and stadiums, including those at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University.

• The MPS bag requirements remain in place and allow for a small bag or purse.

• Remember that all bags, blankets, diaper bags and strollers are searched, and clear bags are preferred.

• Prohibited items include knives, guns, backpacks, outside food/beverages, all forms of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, vapes, air horns, inflatables, and containers.

• Any fan refusing to go through the metal detectors will be denied entry into the MPS Stadium.

Thank you for helping us keep MPS fans and visitors safe this season. We appreciate everyone's cooperation.

MPS Administration

Edmond Middle School Sporting Event Security Changes

Edmond Public Schools announced several changes for sporting events.

1. Wear ID & Lanyard: All students attending any athletic event are required to wear their ID and lanyard. This will help us easily identify members of our school community and enhance security. No exceptions will be made for students without their ID and they will not be allowed to enter the event. This requirement will be in place for all EPS athletic events.
2. High School Students - Designated Student Only Entrances: Students from both high schools will enter through designated gates. These gates will be clearly marked and your student’s school will communicate where the gate is located before the game. Administrators from each school will check each student’s ID before allowing them to enter.
3. Elementary and Middle School Students: For elementary/middle school students, an adult must be present with them when entering the gates. Students are expected to remain with their parents/guardian throughout the event. This measure is in place to ensure their safety and enjoyment. 
4. Students From Other High Schools: High school students from a school not participating in the game must be accompanied by an adult.
5. No Bags Are Permitted: Bags will not be allowed through the entrance gates with the exception of a small clutch (4 ½ x 6 ½), medical or diaper bags.
6. No Athletic Equipment (Footballs, Basketballs, etc.) Permitted: In an effort to minimize disruption, and because no end zone or open area play will be allowed, athletic equipment like footballs, soccer balls, etc. won’t be allowed through the gates. Everyone should remain in the stands to enjoy the game.
7. Cheering Section Etiquette: We encourage enthusiastic participation in cheering for our teams. To ensure safety and order, please remain in the designated cheering areas. This will contribute to an organized and spirited event.
8. Increased Security Presence: As part of our effort to ensure a safe environment for everyone, you’ll notice an increase in the number of security personnel and administrators at our events. Please help remind your students to be respectful to them, listen to their directions and follow our policies.

Mid-Del Schools Football Game Security Changes

Mid-Del Schools announced they will be requiring all attendees to enter through a new weapon detection system.

The district made the announcement in the following post on Facebook:

We wanted to make our Mid-Del fans and guests aware of the new security measures we will have in place at football games this season. We encourage our fans to arrive a little early to our games to allow for any delays with our new weapon detection system.

All attendees will be entering through our new weapon detection system prior to entry into our stadiums. This system is in place for the safety of our students, staff, families and guests.

NO FIREARMS, WEAPONS, OR EXPLOSIVES ALLOWED ON MID-DEL SCHOOL CAMPUSES. Oklahoma prohibits possession of a firearm on any public or private school property.

Please also note our Spectator Guidelines in place for the 2023-2024 school year:

* No Re-Entrance

* Middle and High School Students from both participating schools need an ID and it must be worn at the event to attend. If the visiting school does not have student IDs, an administrator for the visiting school must be onsite to approve entry of the visiting students.

* Middle School and Elementary School students must have a guardian present at the event for the duration of the event

* No bags permitted unless it is a clear plastic tote bag (1 per person)

* Non-transparent clutch wallets no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" (1 per person)

* Bags necessary for approved medical equipment

* Approved family care items (diapers, formula, etc.) must be included in the clear plastic tote bag

PROHIBITED ITEMS:

* Explosives, firearms, or weapons

* Alcohol (in all forms)

* Bags, backpacks, fanny packs & hard binocular cases (ONLY clear bags allowable)

* Balloons (unless it is part of a school sponsored ceremony)

* Beach balls, footballs, balls, or other sporting equipment

* Coolers, containers, or ice chests

* Laser pointers

* Pets (with the exception of registered service animals)

Thank you for your patience and cooperation. #mdpurpose

Harrah Public Schools Security Measures And Plan For Metal Detectors

Harrah Public Schools said they are looking into possibly adding metal detectors.

“We are looking at the possibility of metal detectors,” Superintendent Pual Blessington said. “Right now, we’re trying to pull together some prices.”  

“We have added additional security officers both armed and unarmed,” Blessington said. 

Hurrah Public Schools has implemented a bag policy, limiting the size of bags allowed into games.

They are also adding security officers, some of which will use a metal detecting wand at the entrance of the game on attendees.

Putnam City Schools Security Measures

Putnam City Schools said they use weapon detection systems at all football and basketball games for the high school and middle school.

Bethany Public Schools Security Measures

Bethany Public Schools is increasing their security personnel for home games.

Bethany students must have their ID to attend the game without an adult, all students without IDs must be accompanied by an adult.

No backpacks are allowed at Bethany games and all bags are subject to search by security.

Bethany does not allow reentry into the stadium.

Yukon Public Schools Security Measures

Yukon Public Schools said they have worked with administration and local law enforcement in updating their safety and security protocols at athletic events.

The district provided the following security measures in a press release:

Spectator Guidelines

1. No student re-entry
2. Only approved bags are allowed. (See Clear Bag Guidelines)
3. No loitering allowed in school parking lots or on school property
4. No unauthorized people will be allowed on the sidelines.
5. Spectators are expected to stay in the designated area in the stands
6. All students must remain on the side of the arena or stadium designated for their school’s fan base.

Prohibited Items

1. Weapons of any kind
2. Coolers, containers, or ice chest
3. Beach balls, footballs, or any other unauthorized sporting equipment
4. Outside food or drink
5. Noisemakers of any type that could cause a stop in play
6. Pets (with the exception of registered service animals)
7. Laser pointers
8. Bags, backpacks, fanny packs, hard binocular cases, or purses (see Clear Bag Guidelines)

Deer Creek Public Schools

Deer Creek has updated their safety procedures ahead of Friday's game.

1. Weapon detectors will be in use
2. Backpacks and bags are not allowed. Clutches that are 6.5”x 4.5” or smaller and diapers bags for families with young children are allowed, but will be searche
3. No re-entrance to the stadium will be allowed.
4.  No spectators will be admitted after half-time.
5.  Field access will be restricted to teams, coaching staff, and those with official DC-designated sideline passes
6. Pre-K - 8th Grade students must be accompanied by an adult. 

They recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time to streamline the entry process.

University of Oklahoma

For Sooner game day information, click here.

Oklahoma State University

For Pokes game day information, click here.