Photo taken by Eli Goffin
South Salem High School received new weapons detectors from the company Evolv in mid-January. Salem-Keizer Public Schools had previously selected South for its six-week pilot program in 2024. Starting in 2025, the district will introduce advanced weapons detection systems to Salem-Keizer high schools and the Roberts Structured Learning campus.
The detectors do not detect all metal items. They use an AI-based platform called Evolv Express, which detects contraband such as knives, firearms, explosive device components, and other prohibited items. Each detector connects to an Evolv tablet. When the system detects an item, the tablet displays an image of the person who triggered the alert, highlighting the suspected item with a red box. A staff member then asks the individual to open their backpack, case, or pockets, depending on the type of alert.
Implementing New Systems
The newest addition to the weapons detectors is the conveyor belt placed alongside them. The same company created these new systems, but they now use X-ray imaging and AI, called Evolv eXpedite. This technology automatically scans bags, eliminating the need for a staff member to monitor the Evolv tablet. The scan checks for object shapes and specific metals. The conveyor belt functions similarly to the weapons detectors—if it detects something, it stops, and a red box appears around the suspected item on the tablet.
Before South implemented Evolv eXpedite, students had to take their Chromebooks out of their bags and hand them to a staff member before walking through the Evolv Express detectors.
“When we passed the Chromebooks around, about 5% of the students were getting personal bag checks, while now only 1% of students are getting checked,” said Tara Romine, the Principal at South Salem High School.
The pilot program at South led to a decrease in behavior issues and attendance violations, along with an increase in attendance. In the fall of 2024, Salem-Keizer Public Schools conducted a survey for South students, staff members, and parents. After reviewing the results, most students and staff members reported feeling safer.
