RIMSD #41 continues to focus on ways to enhance the safety of our schools and offer a secure environment where everyone feels welcome. Building relationships with students and offering a variety of supports for their social and emotional well-being is essential to our continuum of safety and security. The district is implementing physical improvements to offer additional layers of safety within the walls of our school buildings.
After several discussions and careful research, our Board of Education approved the purchase of Evolv weapon detection systems on June 27, 2024. Four scanners will be installed, two at Rock Island High School and one at each Junior High school. The scanners will be installed and in use at the start of the 2024-2025 school year.
The Evolv Express weapons detection system combines powerful sensor technology with proven artificial intelligence (AI), to instantly distinguish between weapons and everyday items allowing students, teachers, and staff to move through security at the pace of life without having to be stopped and searched each time.
If the system identifies a potential threat, the scanner tower will alert with a red light and sound. A designated staff member will be on site with an Evolv mobile tablet that processes the scanned individual and uses a red box to indicate precisely where a potential threat is on the person.
That individual will be pulled aside where they can undergo a secondary screening or be searched. A building Administrator will conduct all searches in alignment with the existing RIMSD #41 policy. Additional support will be provided through our School Resource Officer (SRO) who returns to Rock Island High School this year.
What can students expect in the first few weeks of school? The first couple weeks will be a learning time and minimal impacts may be felt as staff and students become familiar with the system. We ask students and visitors please be patient and arrive early to allow for extra time during this implementation and learning period.
For more information about weapon detection scanners visit here.
One of the weapon detection systems at Rock Island High School.