Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) has invested significantly in AI-driven metal detectors to bolster security measures across its campuses. After a year of implementation, the district reports a substantial decrease in weapons found on school grounds, suggesting the technology is proving effective.

CMS invested approximately $19 million in a four-year contract for Evolv Technology's system. This system utilizes advanced sensors and artificial intelligence, enabling students to walk through at a natural pace. If a potential threat is identified, the individual is discreetly pulled aside for a bag check.

Brian Schultz, Chief Operations Officer of CMS, highlighted the system's immediate impact: "On the very first day of implementation, a firearm was discovered in a student's backpack thanks to the Evolv system." During the 2021-22 school year, 31 guns were found on CMS campuses. Following the implementation of the Evolv system, that number dropped dramatically to seven in the subsequent year. This decrease contrasts with a national trend reported by the Gun Violence Archive, which documented an increase in guns found in schools nationwide.

Jason Russell, founder of Secure Education Consultants, a firm comprised of former Secret Service agents specializing in school safety, noted the efficiency of these advanced detectors compared to traditional models. He explained that older metal detectors often created bottlenecks and required students to empty their backpacks, causing significant delays. The new technology streamlines the process considerably.

Data from the U.S. Department of Education reveals that a growing number of schools are adopting metal detectors. As of November, their data indicates at least 14% of high schools, 7% of middle schools, and 3% of elementary schools utilize this technology.

While both CMS and Secure Education Consultants acknowledge the value of weapon detectors, they emphasize that these devices are just one component of a comprehensive safety strategy. One of the seven guns discovered on CMS campuses last year was reported by a student to a trusted teacher, demonstrating the importance of fostering a supportive school environment where students feel comfortable reporting potential threats.

Evolv Technology reports a rapidly increasing demand for its systems, with partnerships established in schools across 34 states, screening hundreds of thousands of students daily. The company has recently expanded its reach through collaborations with large school districts in Georgia, Maryland, and Colorado.