93-3-3-WMR Audio on Demand presents the Preston and Steve show podcast.

And now, Preston and Steve's news update with Kathy Romano.

Today is Friday, May 6th. Good morning, Kathy.

Good morning. In the news this morning, the school district of Philadelphia is launching a new security measure that some parents might consider controversial. Middle school and elementary school students will

undergo weapons screenings beginning next week. Chief Kevin Bethel from the Office of School

Safety says for years now they've had metal detectors installed with all the high schools in the

district to screen for guns and other weapons. But it was only until recently that weapons began surfacing at elementary and middle schools. So beginning next week,

the district will use hand wands or metal detectors to scan all six through eighth graders at least

once before the end of the school year. According to a letter sent to parents, the scans will be

conducted randomly at schools by

school safety officers in the presence of at least one school leader. Most parents seem to be

supportive of the move, but some critics argue that this is over policing that continues to

criminalize children. If a student is found to have a weapon, they will be detained and referred

to Philadelphia police. SEPTA is addressing

safety concerns on their transportation system by adding new personnel from security firms to

act as extra eyes and ears for SEPTA transit police. The new SEPTA outreach service program was

approved by SEPTA back, SEPTA's board back in February. SEPa general manager leslie richard says septa partnered with

three security firms to staff the program combined there will be 88 specialists who will be assigned

to stations and vehicles along broad street and market frankford lines they will also be present at the

concourses in center city outreach specialists will remind riders about the rules for riding septa vehicles

and will be equipped with phones in order to facilitate direct contact with septa transit police.

The specialist will also take over the responsibility of opening and closing the stations,

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