Evolv Weapons Detection System

Safety and Security: The primary reason for implementing a weapons detection system is to ensure the safety and security of students, staff, and visitors within the school premises. The presence of such systems act as a deterrent and helps identify potential threats before they enter the school building.

Evolv Express uses artificial intelligence and sensors to instantly distinguish between weapons and everyday items. This allows students, teachers and staff to move through security at a natural walking pace without having to be stopped and searched each time.

The system consists of two towers which create a lane wide enough for two people to be scanned as they pass through side-by-side. If the towers turn green, no threat has been detected and the individual passes through without stopping.

If the system identifies a potential threat, the tower will alert with a red light and sound. A designated staff member will be on site with an Evolv mobile tablet that processes the scanned individual and uses a red box to indicate precisely where a potential threat is on the person.

If the system identifies a potential threat, the tower will alert with a red light and sound. A designated staff member will be on site with an Evolv mobile tablet that processes the scanned individual and uses a red box to indicate precisely where a potential threat is on the person.

That individual will be pulled aside where they can undergo a secondary screening or be searched. A building Administrator will conduct all searches in alignment within the existing RPS 205 policy. Police will be on standby to assist as needed.

No, Evolv is not a metal detector. Unlike a metal detector where you must stop and empty your pockets, the Evolv scanner allows you to walk through with your bags at a normal pace. Rather than detecting metal, it detects items that have a comparable signature (size, density, shape) to weapons such as a large knife or a gun.

No. The combination of sensors and artificial intelligence is focused on distinguishing a weapon from personal items. If the system detects a potential threat, it alarms, and that threat is examined. If the system does not detect a potential threat, it will not alarm, and the individual walks right through. The system evaluates the items passing through, not the people.

Yes, per board policy 7.140. "School authorities may search a student and/or the student’s personal effects in the student’s possession (such as purses, wallets, clothing, knapsacks, book bags, lunch boxes,etc.) when there is a reasonable ground for suspecting that the search will produce evidence the particular student has violated or is violating either the law or the District’s Student Code of Conduct. The search itself must be conducted in a manner which is reasonably related to its objectives and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the infraction."

Every time the student enters the building, they will pass through the Evolv system at a normal walking pace. Students will be required to have their Chromebooks in their hands in front of them since this is one device that does set off the machine. If not alerted, students will continue to walk to their class. If the system senses a potential threat and sounds an alert, the student will be pulled aside and searched.

Check out this demo of students using the Evolv system at Spartanburg School District 6.

In general, no. The first couple weeks will be a learning time and may impact getting to class while staff and students become familiar with the system.

After speaking with several districts, including a 54,000 student district in Ohio, it was evident that once through the learning curve, students could easily get to class without being late.

Phase 1: Auburn, East, Guilford, Jefferson and Roosevelt.

The systems will be installed during mid-August 2023. This allows training for staff and opportunities for students to come in and experience them before the 2023-24 school year.

Yes. While some school districts across the nation have limited access to one door, RPS 205 is planning to deploy them as follows:

Auburn: The system will be installed at 5 entrances. Door A, Door C, Door N, Door FH12, Door FH1.

East: The system will be installed at 3 entrances. Door FH7, Door I, Door A.

Guilford: The system will be installed at 4 entrances. Door A, Door FH10, Door U.

Jefferson: The system will be installed at 4 entrances. Door A1, Door B, Door H, Door BB (Bus).

Roosevelt: The system will be installed at 2 entrances. Door A1, Door O.

All other building entrances will be locked and monitored by guards and building staff both physically and by camera.

Yes.

Over 400 schools in the United States use Evolv Express weapons detection.

In short, yes. The Evolv Express uses extremely low frequency radio waves (ELF) and a non-ionizing sensing modality. This is in compliance with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 2019 guidance for safe operation with the general public. The guidance applies to regular/occupational as well as infrequent exposure.

There are minor considerations for people with implanted medical devices and for pregnancy.

Please see the linked health and safety brochure for additional details.

In keeping with FDA guidance on Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) and walk-through metal detectors, it is recommended that visitors and system operators with implantable or wearable medical devices consult their device manufacturer or physician for information relating to their own specific device.

An alternative screening approach is recommended for anyone who has safety concerns. Please discuss with staff on site.

The 18 systems the district is purchasing will cost roughly $625k per year for a 4-year contract. The cost will be offset by the hard work of the Technology Services Department finding $630k in annual savings for student devices that will be reallocated to Security to support the initiative.

Click the link below for a parent guide from Evolv:

A Guide to Getting to Know Your Child’s School Security Screening System