Skip to main content

MSD Washington Township

Every Panther, Every Day – Connected | Challenged | Celebrated

Evolv Screening Detection

EVOLV Screening Detection

 

Weapons Screening at MSD Washington Township Schools

A modern, white electric vehicle charging station with a tall, curved display panel.

Our top priority every single day is maintaining a safe, supportive environment where students can focus on learning and growing. MSD Washington Township Schools takes the security of our students, staff, and visitors very seriously, and we continuously work to keep our campuses as safe and welcoming as possible.

A part of this effort we use an advanced, high-tech scanner and detection system at district facilities. This modern technology allows us to efficiently screen for weapons while keeping daily arrival routines smooth, efficient, and comfortable for everyone entering our buildings.

Please keep in mind that weapons are strictly prohibited on all Washington Township Schools property. Students or visitors entering district premises may be required to pass through a weapon detector screening. As part of this standard process, personal belongings—including backpacks, purses, and other bags—may also be inspected using handheld detection wands or visual checks.

EVOLV Guide for Parents

Health & Safety Information

Board Policy on Search & Seizure

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • The system will be in use daily at North Central High School and the JEL Career Center. Because of its portability, it may also be used at other MSD Washington Township school buildings and events. 

  • This state-of-the-art system uses two freestanding pillars with advanced sensors and imaging technology that people must walk through. Signs will be posted instructing students to remove laptops and large binders with metal spines from their bags and backpacks. They will hand these items to a School Official and then proceed through the pillars. If no banned items are detected by the system, the School Official returns the loose item(s) and the student proceeds to class. 

    If a weapon or other possibly banned item is detected, an alarm sounds and the student is instructed to remove their backpack and go through the pillars again. If an alarm sounds again, the student is pulled aside by a School Official to undergo a secondary screening with a handheld detector. Once the possibly banned item is found, it is inspected. If it is on the banned list, it is confiscated and the student may face consequences as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and Handbook. If it is not a banned item, it is returned and the student proceeds to class. 

  • Yes, unless it’s been predetermined that the student’s disability would prevent them from going through the system.

  • MSD Washington Township School Officials, Andy Frain Security, Washington Township School Police Officers, staff and administrators conduct the screenings. They have received comprehensive training on the system, the use of metal detection wands and proper search methods.

  • Sensor and AI analysis: The system uses low-frequency electromagnetic active sensors alongside Evolv Technology software to measure the density, shape, and signature of objects on a person.

    Filtering everyday items: Machine learning algorithms separate dangerous threats from harmless personal items like phones, keys, and wallets to minimize false alarms.

    If a threat is suspected, an alarm sounds and a connected tablet shows a photo of the person with a red box pinpointing where the object is located on their body or bag for targeted secondary screening.

  • It shouldn’t. Once students are familiar with the kinds of objects that will trigger an alarm (like umbrellas, laptops, Chromebook, iPad, metal candy tins, some eye glass cases, specific cell phones), they can simply avoid keeping those items in their bags, and backpacks.  Items that are necessary for school such as band instruments and large binders can be displayed while walking through the system to keep lines moving efficiently.

  • Yes, please see the Evolv Health and Safety medical documentation.

  • School officials and School Police will monitor and review protocols using the system, documenting incidents and looking to improve any challenges to efficient entry into school buildings and events. Feedback from staff, students, and families will be collected to refine procedures and improve efficiency. The equipment will receive regular checks and maintenance to ensure it remains functional and effective at all times.