The Revere City Council on Jan. 13 referred a motion asking the mayor and superintendent to explore the cost of installing metal detectors at Revere High School to the public-safety committee for further discussion and possible study.

The motion, presented by Councilor Cogliandro and co-sponsors, asked the administration to report back within 30 to 60 days. Several councilors described recent threats and incidents as prompting the discussion; one member said an investigation of a recent threat at Garfield and the high school had turned out to be non-actionable, but the council nonetheless favored continued examination of security options.

Councilors expressed mixed views during debate. Councilor Greeno Swaya urged that the issue remain under active review, saying metal detectors could deter weapons; Councilor McKenna and others cited statistics and safety concerns in support. Several councilors said they wanted the city to consider alternatives and stressed the importance of including students, parents and staff in discussions. The motion was kept in committee and assigned to the public-safety committee for further review.