NEW YORK, NY July 08, 2009 —Students at schools without metal detectors are safer, and do better, than students at schools with the scanners -- that's according to a new study by the New York Civil Liberties Union and researchers from the Annenberg Institute for School Reform.

REPORTER: They looked at six schools without metal detectors and found they had higher graduation rates, fewer suspensions, and fewer criminal and non-criminal incidents than schools with metal detectors. Udi Ofer of the New York Civil Liberties Union says there's a reason.

OFER: The absence of metal detectors reduces flashpoints of confrontations between students and the police. This is to the benefit of police. This is to the benefit of school safety agents.

REPORTER: A department of education spokeswoman says it will use all the disciplinary tools that are available.