
Screening a crowd works best with one walk-through arch per busy entrance, a guard with a hand-held detector beside it, a tray for phones and keys, and a clear queue. Churches and events have short peaks, so plan for the busiest 15 to 30 minutes, and keep a separate lane for people with medical devices.
Key takeaways
- One arch plus one hand-held per busy entrance.
- Plan for the peak arrival time.
- Use trays for keys and phones to cut alarms.
- Respectful, consistent search routine.
- Separate lane for medical devices and VIP/emergency access.
01By site
| Site | Typical setup |
|---|---|
| Church | Arch at main door, hand-held for side entrances |
| School | Arch at the main gate for visitors; hand-held for events |
| Hotel or mall | Arch with tray table at each public entrance |
| Events | Several arches with queue barriers |
02Getting set up
See how to choose a detector and prices.
03Frequently asked questions
How many metal detectors does a church need?
One arch per main entrance used at peak times, plus hand-held detectors for other doors.
Can ushers use hand-held detectors?
Yes, with short training on technique and respectful searching.
