February 13, 2025 - As part of its continued commitment to safety, the Cobb County School District is strengthening Cobb Shield with the introduction of Vapor Wake® canine detection teams. These teams identify person-worn or concealed-carried explosives and firearms. Through a partnership with Global K9, these highly trained canines and certified handlers will patrol campuses, providing an advanced layer of security to help protect students and staff. 

Unlike traditional detection dogs, Vapor Wake canines are specially trained to continuously sample the air for concealed firearms and explosives, tracking potential threats even while in motion. This cutting-edge detection capability provides real-time security monitoring, allowing for a swift response to potential threats. 

Cobb’s implementation of Vapor Wake reflects the District's interest in the safety initiatives tried and successfully implemented at large public venues and schools. These highly trained Vapor Wake teams currently operate in high-profile locations across the country, including major universities, professional sports arenas, theaters, and even the United Nations. Now, they will join and enhance Cobb’s already robust safety framework.  

"We want our families to see for themselves that our schools are the safest buildings in our community," said Board Chair David Chastain. "These canine teams are another example of us identifying and addressing threats before they happen.

The addition of Vapor Wake technology is just one component of the District’s multi-layered security approach. Cobb Schools also maintains and encourages the school community to report safety concerns to the District’s 24/7 tip line. Inside schools, a crisis alert system is at the fingertips of staff to ensure a rapid emergency response, and a partnership with members of the intelligence community helps the District’s safety team stay ahead of potential threats. 

Together, these measures reinforce Cobb’s dedication to keeping schools safe and secure for all students and staff.