In Louisville, Kentucky, school districts are exploring the use of AI-driven technology to detect firearms in an attempt to keep their students safe from gun violence. Evolv Technology, a major data-driven weapons detection company, is trying to convince the Jefferson County Public Schools to adopt their cutting-edge system. Chase Connolly of Evolv demonstrated the system in the lobby of Butler Traditional High School, where he set off the alarm with a test firearm. Connolly explained the system picks up on a specific type of metal used in firearms, allowing students to walk naturally through without setting off the alarm.
Tammy Bradshaw-Cook, a security officer at another high school, sees the weapons detection system as a very helpful tool. So far this year, the district has confiscated 26 guns from students in their 50 middle and high schools. Security experts have raised concerns over the price tag associated with such AI technology, which is 24 times higher than traditional metal detectors.
Security experts have raised questions over the transparency of the technology. Donald Maye of IPVM, an independent security testing firm, explained Evolv has not allowed his team of engineers to properly evaluate the system. He also found that a review the company promoted as fully independent was paid for by the company itself and was edited by executives. Maye also noted that the system frequently triggers false alarms on innocuous items like phones, keys, change, and laptop computers. What is more concerning is reports of real weapons slipping by the AI-powered technology in some other districts, including a knife and two handguns.
Evolv’s weapons detection system is rapidly expanding across the U.S. The company claims it is already in 400 schools. School officials in Louisville are weighing their options on whether to bring in this technology. Evolv promises a smoother experience for students as they walk through but comes at a potentially high cost.
