District Implements Clear Bag Security Policy

Crowds filled local football seasons Friday for the official start of the 2018 high school football season, and district officials top concern is that fans enjoy the games safely.

Berkeley County School District's "Clear Bag or No Bag" entry procedure at high school athletic events will continue this school year.

In October 2017 Berkeley County School District announced it would pilot a "Clear Bag or No Bag" entry procedure at Goose Creek High football games. Tim Knight, director of safety and security for the district, said Goose Creek High is the largest in the district; the district figured if it could be successful there it could do it expand the procedure to any of the high schools.

Knight said the public really bought into it and the procedure has since expanded to all high school athletic events.

Knight said the procedure is about being proactive; the district looked at what some state colleges and universities were already doing and thought it would be a good idea to bring it to the school district.

He said the procedure is really catching on.

"I think as we progress into the fall...it's going to get easier and easier for us to do," he said.

Each ticketed individual will be permitted to carry one clear tote bag, not to exceed 12 by 6 by 12 inches. A small clutch or wallet can be included in this clear tote if it does not exceed four and a half by six and a half inches. A clear tote bag is not required in order to carry small permissible items such as keys, wallets, cell phones, credit cards, cash, etc. - which should be carried in a pocket.

Prohibited items include weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco and electronic cigarettes.

Residents are reminded that once they have received clearance to enter the event, they will not be allowed to re-enter if they choose to leave at any time. As safety and security is our number one priority, leaders will continue exploring all options to advance and improve safety and security measures in line with common procedures implemented at major events that have the potential to attract a large crowd.

Dorchester District Two does not have such a procedure in place, and while there no current plans to implement one at this time, district spokesperson Pat Raynor said the district is aware of what other area districts are doing in terms of utilizing a clear bag procedure.

Dorchester District Two has a security task force committee that has met regularly this year to discuss safety improvements to the district. Board Chairwoman Tanya Robinson said the clear bag issue has been brought up but the threat assessment policy and hiring of school resource officers has been the committee's forefront. She said the next committee meeting may be a time to revisit the conversation.

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