DEARBORN, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Dearborn Public Schools will employ vape detectors in its three high schools after it approved a $87,683 contract on Monday with a private vendor to employ the sensors.

“Last spring this was piloted at Dearborn High School and they have proven successful as a deterrent for vaping in our buildings,” the district stated in an internal memo.

Vape detectors in schools are a growing trend.

MORE NEWS: Since Pandemic, Many K-12 Schools Hired More Staff to Serve Fewer Students

Rudy Patros, president of the company Securatech that was awarded the contract, said more than half of the state’s public schools have implemented vape detectors.

“It’s very rare a school district does not have vape detectors in their high schools,” Patros said in a phone conversation with Michigan News Source. “It is becoming more common to implement them in their middle schools, also. … It’s a big issue.”

The detectors are multi-purpose.

The sensors not only detect vaping with nicotine and marijuana but also can detect gunshots and listen for specific programmed words such as “help.”

Patros said the system is set up so that when vaping is detected in the restroom, the video surveillance is automatically saved so that school representatives can see who was in the restroom when the vaping was detected.

In addition, Patros said school districts have different protocols for how they are alerted. Sometimes it is an email and other times it is via text messages.

The district’s response.

The district’s internal memo stated why it was approving the detectors: “Vape detectors in high schools provide several significant benefits that enhance student safety and promote a healthier learning environment. First and foremost, these devices help identify and deter vaping among students, which is crucial given the rising concerns around nicotine addiction and the health risks associated with vaping.

MORE NEWS: Michigan Bills Could Allow Violent Criminals Early Release

By alerting staff to potential violations discreetly, vape detectors enable timely interventions that can prevent further use and promote awareness about the dangers of vaping. Additionally, their presence can foster a culture of accountability and discourage risky behaviors, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of students. Implementing vape detectors also signals to parents and the community that the school is actively taking steps to protect youth and support healthy choices, reinforcing a commitment to students’ long-term health and academic success.”