Keeping Students Safe: How Evolv’s Weapons Detection Technology Is Changing School Security

Keeping students safe is one of the most important responsibilities for schools today. With growing concerns about weapons on campus, districts across the country are looking for ways to protect students without making schools feel like high-security zones.

One solution that’s gaining attention is Evolv Technology advanced weapons detection solution. Evolv uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect concealed weapons as people enter school buildings. Their systems are now installed in more than 1,300 schools, screening around 850,000 students and visitors every day (Evolv, 2025).

How Evolv Works

Evolv’s advanced weapons detection system is designed to be fast, discreet, and easy to use. It uses special sensors that scan for metal objects, combined with computer software that learns to spot weapons. Two slim towers are placed at school entrances, and students walk through them just like they would through a doorway. 

Here’s what happens:

• The system scans for shapes and materials that look like weapons.
• If something suspicious is found, security staff get an alert on a tablet.
• The alert shows exactly where the item is located, such as in a backpack or jacket pocket.

This helps staff respond quickly and accurately without needing to stop or search every student.

What Schools Are Seeing

Evolv’s technology has been used in schools of all sizes, and the results have been encouraging:

• More Schools Using It: Over 1,300 school buildings now use Evolv, up from about 700 in 2023.
• High Volume Screening: Evolv systems screen more than 850,000 people every day.
• Reported Success: At Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) in Louisville, Kentucky, the number of guns found on campus dropped from 30 in 2021–22 to just 3 in 2022–23 after Evolv was introduced (Louisville Public Media). 
• Prevented Incidents: Some districts say the system helped stop weapons from entering school grounds (K12 Dive, 2023). Students are aware of the weapons screening, which is a deterrent.
• Reduced Screening Staff: James Island Charter High School in South Carolina reduced screening-staff from 12 to 8 (a ~40% reduction) after implementing Evolv (Evolv, 2023)

While these results are promising, Evolv is just one part of a larger safety strategy. It works best when combined with strong policies, trained staff, and community support.

A New Approach to School Security

Evolv represents a shift toward what some call “invisible security.” The idea is to keep schools safe without making students feel like they are constantly being watched. This approach helps schools maintain a positive environment while still being prepared for potential threats.

What Schools Should Keep in Mind

As more schools consider using AI-based screening tools, it’s important to:

• Review data regularly to make sure the system is working well.
• Train staff on how to respond to alerts and interact with students.
• Include parents and students in conversations about safety and privacy.
• Use technology wisely and combine it with human judgment.

The goal is to create schools that are both safe and supportive. Students should feel protected, but also free to learn, grow, and be themselves.

Sources

• Evolv Technology. (2025). Evolv for Schools. https://evolv.com/industries/schools
• EdWeek. (2023). Schools Turn to AI to Detect Weapons — But Some Question the Tech’s Effectiveness
• K12 Dive. (2023). Using AI to Detect Guns in Schools
• Louisville Public Media. (2023). JCPS Sees Drop in Guns Found After Evolv Deployment
• Evolv Technologies, Inc. (2023). James Island Charter High School creates efficient security screening experiences with the help of Evolv. https://evolv.com/resources/case-studies/james-island-charter-high-school-is-at-the-head-of-the-class-for-security-screening/