What is Evolv?
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is partnering with CMCSS to pilot Evolv technologies at Northwest High and Rossview High Schools in the 2023-2024 school year.
Unlike metal detectors, manual bag checks, wanding, and other traditional solutions, Evolv offers an innovative and accelerated approach to physical security screening and weapons detection through enhanced sensors and artificial intelligence (AI).
MCSO received funding for the pilot and will provide additional School Resource Officers for the implementation at the pilot schools. Northwest High School was selected to pilot the system first because it has the most streamlined entrance points and less complex logistics to begin testing the model. Rossview High School was chosen as the second pilot site since it has the largest student population and more complex logistics. The transition to Rossview High is planned for mid-year. Data and feedback from the two contrasting test sites will guide MCSO and CMCSS for future plans.
Many families have likely encountered Evolv technologies at a venue like Nissan Stadium, GEODIS Park, or other stadiums and arenas. Although CMCSS will be one of the first in the state to pilot Evolv on school campuses, several school systems across the country utilize this technology. The pilot of Evolv technologies will be one of several enhancements as we continue to explore opportunities to proactively improve our layers of safety and security in our schools.
The Technology
Evolv Express is an advanced weapons screener that uses artificial intelligence and sensor technology to instantly distinguish everyday items from potential threats, such as a phone from a firearm. Unlike a metal detector or upgraded metal detectors, the Evolv Express is not looking for metal, it is looking for weapons and component parts of weapons only – and pinpoints where a potential threat is on a person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Evolv Express uses AI and advanced sensors to distinguish between weapons and everyday items while people move through at the pace of life.
Is the technology safe?
Yes. The system uses extremely low-frequency radio waves (ELF) that are in the range used by some Electronic Anti-Theft Systems (EAS), widely deployed in retail settings for loss prevention.
Evolv is dedicated to the safety, quality, and consistency of our products. The Evolv Express® system has been safety tested and meets the following certifications:
- FCC CFR Part 15, CE Mark (CE Directives and Standards); Global CB Scheme per CBTL Safety Standard
- UL 61010, EN61010, IEC 61010 and CAN/CSA 61010-1
- US Americas with Disabilities Act Compliance Compliant Access
- RoHS – Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances (e.g., Lead) in Electrical/Electronics Equipment
Does Evolv Express use facial recognition?
No. Evolv Express does not use facial recognition technology. The technology is focused on distinguishing weapons from personal items. Evolv does not collect, process, or use any personal identifiable information. 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, to determine if there may be a threat.
What kind of data does Evolv collect? And how does it use that data?
The data generated by the Evolv Express system is statistical data such as the number of people passing through. Evolv does not collect any personal identifying information.
Does Evolv Express catch all guns? All weapons?
The systems are looking for weapons that can cause mass casualty damage such as guns, large tactical knives and explosives. No security system is 100% perfect. Effective security involves a layered approach of people, process and technology – all working together.
For more information, visit https://evolvtechnology.com.