LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Ballard High School families were notified in a letter from Principal Jason Neuss on Wednesday that work will begin soon on installation of the school's new weapon detection system.
The Evolv systems are different from metal detectors in that it uses artificial intelligence-based technology to detect weapons. It allows students to walk through without removing their bags or emptying their pockets. A guard monitors the system on a tablet, and is alerted when a weapon is detected on a person.
JCPS plans to phase the technology in to its high schools beginning this fall and have them in all middle schools by the start of the 2024-25 school year. Ballard is among the schools in the first phase of installation.
JCPS Weapon Detector Implementation Timeline (Courtesy: JCPS)
"It’s important to remind you that while weapon detection systems are another tool for us to maintain safety in our schools, they do not guarantee a weapon will not make it into the building," Neuss wrote to parents. "We must all continue to work together to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our school community."
Neuss said if an item is seen on the scanner as a student walks through it, the normally green light on the system turns red and a photo of the student will be shown on a tablet visible to trained staff.
"This entry procedure is minimally invasive and allows the majority of students to simply walk through the new screening system without interruption and safely head to class," Neuss said. "Our staff members have been trained on the system and we ask for your support as we work together to maximize the benefit of this technology."
The system is estimated to cost the district $17 million for a five-year lease. The district will be responsible for staffing and upkeep of the systems.
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