Walk-through metal detectors considered for Sears Centre

For the first time in the 11-year history of Hoffman Estates' Sears Centre Arena, walk-through metal detectors may be in place by the time the Windy City Bulls start their second season there in early November.

The village's finance committee Monday recommended purchase of seven metal detectors from California-based Rapiscan Systems for $24,782.50.

Village board members are scheduled to vote on final approval of the purchase Monday.

Hoffman Estates officials said that in addition to a generally heightened awareness of security issues in the venue management industry, some form of metal detecting is required by the NBA G League to which the Windy City Bulls belong.

Some concert promoters also have begun requiring walk-through detectors before booking venues for their performers.

During the Windy City Bulls' first season, as well as at other particular events, Sears Centre staff members have used handheld wands for screening spectators. But the use of these devices has come to be recognized by management as time-consuming, intrusive and more vulnerable to human error.

"For comfort and reliability, it was a win-win across the board," Sears Centre General Manager Ben Gibbs said of the recommended purchase. "We've always had security protocols and we've adjusted them every year. We're already doing it and this equipment makes us better at doing it."

While the seven detectors the village is considering buying could efficiently handle a crowd of under 5,000 people, events larger than that would still benefit from being supplemented by the arena's handheld wands.

If village board members approve the purchase of the walk-through detectors Oct. 2, the intention is for them to be delivered and installed before the end of that month. The Windy City Bulls' first home game of the season will be on Saturday, Nov. 4.

Five detectors would be installed at the main entrance, with one of them wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. The other two would be at the suite entrance and loading dock.

The current wands will still be available to the staff, including for people in wheelchairs using the suite entrance or loading dock.

Arlington Park is among the Chicago-area venues supplied by Rapiscan Systems.