Twins installing metal detectors at Target Field

The Minnesota Twins are installing metal detectors at Target Field in time for the team's home opener next month.

Dave Horsman, the team's director of ballpark operations, said the walk-through magnetometers will be in limited use for the first home game, and should be fully in place by May 1.

Horsman said fans will not have to remove their belts and shoes as they would at an airport security checkpoint. He said the magnetometers will be set to detect large metal objects only.

"Our intent here is really to use these devices to look for dangerous weapons," he said. "Our intent is not to put in a screening process like what is used at airports in this country. We're not concerned with small, common metal items. We're looking for dangerous items and weapons."

Horsman said Major League Baseball is requiring all teams to have new security measures in place by the 2015 season but has not told teams how they must do so.

He said the Twins want to make sure the new procedures are up and running before the All-Star game comes to Target Field in July.

"We believe this is the best way to conduct screening that is as non-invasive, quick and effective as possible," he said of the metal detectors.