Amidst community concerns over safety, Gwinnett County Schools are implementing advanced Evolv weapons detectors at high school stadiums, beginning deployment in a measure to forestall further tragedies. As FOX5 Atlanta reported, the district has plans to place two of these high-tech detectors into each of the 20 high school football stadiums. Gwinnett County Schools spokesperson Bernard Watson told FOX5 Atlanta, "We are starting with our stadiums to make sure our games are safe."
These developments closely follow the harrowing incident at Apalachee High School, and the district appears responsive to calls from parents for increased security measures. Urging the district, multiple petitions have cited safety concerns that the deadly shooting spurred. A WGAU report included quotes from concerned parents, including emphatic statements like, "I am tired of being scared to send my children to school."
The Evolv AI system distinguishes itself from traditional metal detectors with increased efficiency and a wider range of detectable items. Gwinnett County Schools Police Chief Tony Lockard, illustrating what the detectors will look for, said, "Handguns, rifles, bombs, pipe bombs, items like that," in a statement obtained by WGAU. This integration of advanced technology comes after the district received an additional $6 million from the state for security enhancements.
School events, other than athletic ones, remain under the consideration of the district, as the AI weapons detectors aren't planned. Evolv detectors' deployment comes with additional safety measures, shared by Lt. David Sokol to FOX5 Atlanta. "This is the first step along with our new clear bag policy," said Watson. School resource officers are set to increase in number, with plans to hire more as part of the broader security strategy.
