News Summary
Four high schools in Pickens County have adopted the EVOLV Weapons Detection System to improve safety for students and staff.
Pickens County, South Carolina – Four high schools in Pickens County have implemented the EVOLV Weapons Detection System as part of new safety measures aimed at enhancing the security of students and staff. This advanced screening system utilizes artificial intelligence to detect weapons and threats without requiring students to pause or remove their personal belongings while entering the school premises.
The schools adopting this system include Easley High School, Pickens High School, Liberty High School, and Daniel High School. The adoption of the EVOLV system comes after incidents, including a recent gun discovery at a high school in nearby Alabama, led to heightened security awareness within the educational community. The Pickens County School District Board of Education allocated $1.3 million for the installation of the EVOLV system, ensuring that every main entrance of the four high schools features these detection scanners.
Students will be required to remove their Chromebooks from backpacks before walking through the scanners to minimize false alarms. In the event the system alerts, students will be directed to a designated area for further examination, ensuring a swift and efficient response to potential threats.
Feedback from students in districts currently using the EVOLV system, such as those in Greenville County, indicates a reduction in anxiety levels regarding school safety. District officials highlighted that the technology aims not only to bolster safety but also to create a more secure environment where students can focus on their education. The EVOLV system is versatile and can be relocated to other venues like middle schools, elementary schools, or even sports events as needed.
The recent gun incident in Gordo, Alabama, which raised concerns about school safety, has prompted the newly elected Pickens County superintendent to reinforce security protocols. Superintendent Shawn McDaniel confirmed that metal detectors will now be utilized daily at school entrances in response to the community’s demand for improved safety measures. Increased law enforcement presence around the schools is also expected, as reported by the Pickens County Sheriff, Jordan Powell. This reflects a proactive step towards ensuring the well-being of students and staff within the district.
Community members have shown support for these new safety initiatives, expressing belief that the EVOLV Weapons Detection System and other measures will effectively reduce the likelihood of weapons being brought onto school grounds. There are also discussions ongoing about potentially requiring students to use clear backpacks for enhanced security. This additional measure would further assist in monitoring what students bring into the schools.
The implementation of the EVOLV system and the presence of constant security officers marks a significant shift in how schools are prioritized regarding student safety. The feedback from parents, students, and educational staff has been largely positive, and the district is hopeful that these new protocols will foster a safer learning environment for everyone involved.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Upstate School District Adds EVOLV Weapons Detection System
- Wikipedia: School Safety
- WSPA: AI Weapons Detection Boosts Safety in Pickens County Schools
- Google Search: Weapons Detection Systems School Safety
- ABC3340: New Safety Measures Added for Pickens County School System
- Google Scholar: School Security Measures
- WSPA: Upstate School District to Add Weapons Detection System in Elementary Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Security
- WYFF: Greer Middle School Student Arrested for Threat
- Google News: Pickens County School Security
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
