Nashville considers concealed weapons detectors expansion to all high schools

Metro Schools may expand the use of a weapon detection system to all high schools across the district. The proposal follows a trial run that began at Antioch High School in the wake of a fatal shooting by a student.

It’s a walk-through system called “Evolv.” It uses sensors and artificial intelligence to detect forbidden items and weapons. It’s already in use at Nissan Stadium and other event and concert venues.

More: How Antioch High School is stepping up security and counseling 

Antioch’s prior weapon detection system — a type of camera technology — did not observe and alert authorities to a gun during the shooting.

This new system, placed at entrances, is designed to detect the differences between weapons and everyday items that contain metal, and the district called its pilot period “successful” at detecting weapons and providing an efficient entry process. However, the Nashville Banner reports there are different levels of sensibilities to identify various items such as a knife. It could also flag harmless items like school binders or water bottles.

The school board will vote Tuesday on whether to bring the system to all district high schools.

Administrators want to amend an existing contract with security vendor System Integrations to add Evolv systems. The annual cost is estimated at $1.25 million, though the figure could change with more specific designs for individual schools.

“I wish we lived in a world where schools could remain open and free from the fear of gun violence. But we must confront reality: access to weapons in our state and country remains largely unchecked and there is no indication that it will change anytime soon,” Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Battle wrote to families on Friday. “We will continue to do what we can do to prevent gun violence from impacting our schools.”

The superintendent emphasized that the systems are part of a broader safety plan that includes school resource officers, security teams, security cameras, secured buildings and safety planning and drills.