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 acts 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 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.

Potential threats that resemble prohibited items such as firearms, knives and other object that resemble a threat.

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 and/or designee will conduct all searches in alignment within the existing CCSD 130 policy. Security and Police will be on standby to assist as needed.

Secondary screening is only performed by CCSD 130 Security when the Evolv system alarms for a possible weapon. Security will inform the individual that an item was detected and ask the individual to verify the item. This may include:

• The individual being screened using a handheld device to scan them without contact.
• Asking the individual to open their bag or show the item(s) for a closer inspection.

Security will not physically be searching bags unless a prohibited item is found, only a visual search will be conducted.

The visitor will not be allowed in and may only return without the weapon. The visitor will be screened again before being allowed to enter the facility.

Cook County School District 130 policy prohibits students, families and/or visitors from bringing weapons of any kind into our facilities regardless of legal authorization to carry unless you are authorized Law Enforcement and/or School Security. You may store/secure your weapon in your vehicle or residence.

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 Conduct rules. 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 CHSD 218 which serves over 1,700 students at several school sites, it was evident that once through the learning curve, students could easily get to class without being late.

Phase 1: Veterans Memorial Middle School, Everett F. Kerr Middle School, and Nathan Hale Middle School.

Phase 2: Additional units added to buildings as needed.

The systems will be installed after spring break 2023-2024. This allows training for staff and opportunities for students to come in and experience them before the 2024-2025 school year.

Not initially. Most school districts across the nation have limited access to one door, CCSD 130 is planning to deploy them as follows:

Veterans Memorial Middle School- East side of building. Door 1 Main entrance. Between 123^rd Street and Greenwood Avenue and Gruenwald and Greenwood Avenues

Everett F. Kerr Middle School- West side of building.  Door 1 Main entrance. Between Union Street and Maple Avenue and High Street and Maple Avenue

Nathan Hale Middle School- Southeast side of building. Door 1 Main entrance. Entrance from 135^th Street entrance.

All other building entrances will be locked and monitored by guards and/or 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 following the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 2019 guidance for safe operation with the 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 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 this with staff on site.

Initial testing indicates that the weapons detection screening has low to no risk to pregnant women. If, however, a pregnant woman is not comfortable going through the screening system, they will be directed to the secondary screening location.

The three systems the district is purchasing will cost roughly $90k per year for a 4-year contract including training, maintenance, and repair work and much more. 

Evolv Guide for Parents