To bolster campus safety, Volusia County Schools have initiated a pilot program at Atlantic High School in Port Orange, where an AI weapon detection system named Evolv is employed. This move makes the district the first in Florida to deploy such advanced screening technology in a school setting. A WFTV report highlighted the system's capabilities, noting that it can scan up to 2,000 individuals per hour and is designed to streamline the process, much like security measures at airports or amusement parks.
According to ClickOrlando coverage, Mike Micallef, an Executive Director with Volusia County Schools, explained the system's functionality: "When it screens through the actual scanner, it looks for the density of metal in a backpack." When the AI technology identifies an object with a weight and shape reminiscent of a weapon, it flags the item, signaling a need for further inspection.
This introduction of Evolv technology aims to replace existing security measures that involve moving metal detectors, which are randomly used across middle and high school campuses within the district. In an interview with WFTV, Mike Micalef, Executive Director of Graduate Assurance and Student Services, optimistically remarked, "Give it a week. They’re going to understand that they just need to drop their bags and walkthrough." Such AI-driven technology may likely become the new norm in campus security protocols.
Danielle Johnson, Volusia County Schools spokeswoman, asserted in a statement detailed by News-journal Online that these machines are expected to be installed at entrances of all Volusia County high schools for the 2025-2026 school year. She said, "This cutting-edge system is another layer of protection to keep our students and staff secure." The program's efficacy over the pilot period will influence the district's decision to implement the technology across its high schools.
