PHOTO SOURCE: Emma Scruggs

As of the beginning of the 2025–2026 school year, Canyon Ridge High School began using handheld metal detectors to address ongoing vaping concerns, according to school administration.

The devices, authorized under Twin Falls School District Policy 3370, are intended to help staff identify vapes and other prohibited items without requiring physical searches. Administrators say the new procedure allows staff to check students quickly while maintaining their privacy.

“[Metal detectors address a] safety concern because we have our vape detectors in the bathrooms and locker rooms,” said CRHS Principal Mr. Randall Miskin. “When those go off, we can’t always tell who it was. The metal detector allows us to check kids quickly.”

If a detector goes off, staff will ask the student to identify the metal object. “Any time it detects metal, we have to identify it,” Miskin explained. “If they refuse, we will suspend them under the assumption of the worst.”

The detectors will not be used as students enter the building but only when necessary. “We’re not going to put metal detectors at the front of the school,” Miskin said. “We don’t have a big problem with violence. We just have a small problem with kids vaping.”

When asked whether teachers would be using the metal detector wands, Miskin said, “Teachers won’t be using them. We’ll have designated office staff handle it. In cases involving young ladies, we’ll make sure a woman is present as a witness.”

Parents will be notified before any disciplinary action is taken. “We’re always going to call our parents and try to get them involved,” Miskin said. “If a student refuses to cooperate, we’ll assume the worst and suspend them accordingly.”

District officials emphasized that the goal of the policy is prevention rather than punishment. “We just want to keep honest kids honest,” Miskin added. “We don’t want to punish kids who haven’t done anything wrong.”

While every school in the Twin Falls School District has the option to use similar detectors, it is not a mandate. CRHS administration decided to enforce the policy due to ongoing concerns about vape use among students.