Pennsylvania school’s new AI weapons detectors show early signs of progress

The introduction of AI-powered weapons detection systems at Upper Darby School District in Pennsylvania marks a significant shift in school security measures, following incidents involving firearms earlier in the school year.

Initial implementation and results: The district deployed Evolv weapons detection systems this week for 6,000 students across its high school and middle schools, already yielding notable security finds.

• On the first day, the system helped identify a student carrying brass knuckles and a knife, despite being primarily designed to detect firearms
• The detection system was implemented after a loaded gun and an AR-style magazine were discovered at the high school earlier in the school year
• The district is spending more than $1 million over four years on the security upgrade

Operational efficiency: The new screening process has shown rapid improvement in processing times and student compliance.

• Processing time decreased from 30 minutes to 15 minutes between the first and second day of implementation
• The district eliminated student ID checks to streamline the process, as managing both would have required hiring 30 additional staff members
• Students quickly adapted to removing common trigger items like binders, laptops, umbrellas, and eyeglass cases before screening

Technical aspects and procedure: The AI-driven system implements a multi-step screening process to minimize disruption while maintaining security.

• Students who trigger the alarm have an opportunity to remove items and pass through again
• Those still triggering the system are directed to a separate area for backpack searches
• Common items triggering alerts included makeup compacts and even pipe cleaners for art projects

Community response and context: The implementation of weapons detection systems in schools remains a subject of ongoing debate.

• Critics argue such systems risk criminalizing students
• Some community members had long advocated for increased security measures
• The school principal reported positive feedback from both students and staff
• Similar systems are currently used in 10 Pennsylvania school districts

Effectiveness considerations: While the system shows promise, school officials maintain realistic expectations about its capabilities.

• The OpenGate system used in another Philadelphia school failed to detect most knives in a recent incident
• Upper Darby’s superintendent acknowledges that determined individuals might still find ways to cause harm
• However, officials note that the new system has created a less stressful environment compared to previous gun-related threats

Future implications: While the early success of Upper Darby’s weapons detection system suggests a potential model for other districts, questions remain about the balance between security measures and maintaining a welcoming educational environment, particularly as schools nationwide grapple with similar safety concerns.