AS THE new school term gets under way this morning, the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) says it supports the Government's decision to place metal detectors in some schools by April, but argued that a more comprehensive security plan was needed.

The metal detectors, which will cost approximately $12,000 each, are expected to be implemented in more than 100 schools which are part of the Safe Schools Programme.

"The association supports the decision of the Government to install metal detectors in some 100 schools by April. This measure will, of course, have to be complemented by the implemen-tation of a comprehensive national security plan for schools," said Ena Barclay, president of the JTA, in her back-to-school message.

She added: "Such a plan will have to address the expansion of the Safe Schools Programme, improvements in the teaching and learning conditions in school plants, and the education of parents regarding their responsibilities to their children."

petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com