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Safety » Weapon Detection System

Weapon Detection System

RIMSD #41 continues to focus on ways to enhance the safety of our schools and offer a secure environment where everyone feels welcome. Building relationships with students and offering a variety of supports for their social and emotional well-being is essential to our continuum of safety and security. The district is implementing physical improvements to offer additional layers of safety within the walls of our school buildings.
 
After several discussions and careful research, our Board of Education approved the purchase of Evolv weapon detection systems on June 27, 2024. Four scanners will be installed, two at Rock Island High School and one at each Junior High school. The scanners will be installed and in sure at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. 
 
The Evolv Express weapons detection system combines powerful sensor technology with proven artificial intelligence (AI), to instantly distinguish between weapons and everyday items allowing students, teachers, and staff to move through security at the pace of life without having to be stopped and searched each time. 
 
FAQs
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 RIMSD #41 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.
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.

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.

All other building entrances will be locked and monitored by surveillance cameras.

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.

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

Click the link below for a parent guide from Evolv:

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