Weapon Detectors At D228 Schools 'Proactive' Not 'Reactive': District

MIDLOTHIAN, IL — A recent addition to all Bremen District 228 High Schools enables school staff to scan students for weapons or other dangerous objects as they enter school premises.

District administration recently installed Evolv, a high-tech detection system, at all district schools: Bremen, Oak Forest, Tinley Park, and Hillcrest.

"In the past year alone, District 228 has continuously strengthened our relationships with surrounding police departments, implemented new safety technology tools and trained students and staff for possible emergency situations," wrote Dr. Jim Boswell, Director of Operations and Technology for the district.

"We prefer to be proactive, rather than reactive regarding the safety of our students and staff."

The Evolv system is the same that has been implemented at many large Chicago venues, including Wrigley Field, Boswell wrote.

The detectors "are safe, do not impact anybody with medical conditions," and are non-intrusive by not requiring that students empty their pockets. The machines use artificial intelligence to identify weapons, knives and explosives. All students and visitors are screened as they enter the schools, without having to remove their backpacks or coats, and without emptying pockets, Boswell wrote.

The detectors cost the district $427,000 for purchase, installation, training, support, and warranty. The units can "screen up to 3,600 people per hour – 10 times faster than traditional metal detectors," according to the company's website. It's customers include L.L. Bean, Six Flags Theme Parks, Wynn Las Vegas, and hundreds more.

"Safety is of the utmost importance to creating a safe and inviting educational environment," Boswell wrote. "In conjunction with the other safety tools and procedures that are already in place, this safety measure will further that goal, and will help us accomplish the goal of maintaining a weapon-free campus that can focus on educating our students."