How Vape Detectors Make a Difference in Schools

3 Vape Detection Success Stories from Real Schools

Is your middle or high school struggling to stop students from vaping?

We recently wrote in our blog about vape detectors for schools and how they work. Many teenagers are aware that standard smoke detectors can’t identify vapor particles from vapes and e-cigarettes. Because of this, students are not only vaping together after school but also in school, often in bathrooms, locker rooms, under staircases, or empty corridors.

Smoke detectors may not work—but vape detectors do. Vape detectors by Verkada are engineered to identify chemical changes in the air and instantly signal your school security system. But how effective are they when put into practice? Have other schools benefited from this technology?

Let’s examine how other schools have implemented vape detection systems and how they’ll help your Madison, WI, students develop healthy habits.

Case Study 1: Maryvale School District

A school district in Cheektowaga, New York, installed vape detectors in their middle school bathrooms to crack down on tweens and teens vaping. The school principal reported that detectors have helped them catch 23 out of 30 students caught vaping in one year. When the system is triggered, it alerts the school staff, allowing them to promptly investigate—and discourage other young students from starting to vape.

Case Study 2: Freeman School District

Freeman School District in Spokane, WA, saw a large increase in students vaping and, in response, installed vape detectors throughout the school. “The very first day that it was installed, right away, we knew it was working and it helped out our administration to be able to connect with that issue and get right on it,” said Superintendent Randy Russel.

If students are caught vaping at Freeman High School, they face a discipline referral. Depending on the severity or number of incidents, students can also face a written statement or fine from the police.

Russel has said that vape detection and punishment isn’t their only tactic for reducing school vaping. “We’re trying to do a couple of things. One is to definitely be more proactive, communicate with students and parents about the concerns and the harms associated with the vape,” he shared.

Case Study 3: Lancaster High School

Lancaster High School in South Carolina has also found success with vape detectors. A district spokesperson shared that the system has found 295 vape devices during their testing phase alone (out of 1,232 students). With vape detectors in place, Lancaster School District has taken disciplinary action at both the middle and high schools to dissuade students from vaping.

Overcoming Obstacles with Vape Detection

One common issue with vape detection systems is that staff are unable to reach bathrooms or other areas in time to catch students. This is why it’s important to integrate security cameras with your Verkada vape detectors. When your security staff receives an alert of vape detection, they can promptly check surveillance cameras in the same interface to identify the student.

Of course, cameras should never be installed in private areas like bathrooms, locker rooms, and dressing rooms. However, positioning cameras outside these entrances should be enough to discourage students from vaping at school.

Vape Detector Installation in Madison, WI

Could your Madison-area school benefit from a vape detection system? Fearing’s is a certified Verkada dealer and installs vaping and school security systems tailored to your needs.