As highlighted in our previous blog series, weapon detectors provide a needed and extra layer of security in school settings. They detect metallic objects students or visitors may be carrying in their backpacks and pockets to offer a very precise means of protection. If a weapon is detected, security personnel are empowed by these detecion systems to take swift action to prevent incidents.
Evolv ranks as a leading weapons detection solution provider. Evolv’s Safer Experience™ solution helps deter, detect, and orchestrate response to physical security threats by combining concealed weapons detection and data analytics into a unified security infrastructure.
So how can schools affordably implement Evolv or any other weapons detection technology in their facilities? Schools that partner with us at NextGen can easily procure Evolve or other weapons detection systems, thanks to the TIPS #250101 contract we hold for access control, video surveillance, weapons detection, and more. The Interlocal Purchasing System, a.k.a. TIPS, provides a proven process to eliminate purchasing related stress for governmental entities, while also saving time and money.
By leveraging cooperative purchasing agreements like the TIPS contract, schools can turn to an approved TIPS vendor integration company such as NextGen to help them fund weapons detection systems as part of broader efforts to enhance campus safety. These grants, which are often provided by federal or state governments, help schools cover the cost of advanced security technologies without diverting funds from educational programs.
Through TIPS contract holders, such as NextGen, schools can qualify for funding to have security systems installed. These include: Access control systems, which manage who is allowed to enter or use certain spaces, systems, or data, and under what conditions; AI-powered scanners that detect concealed weapons without requiring students to empty their bags; smart video surveillance that integrates with existing cameras to identify threats in real time; and traditional metal detectors or hybrid systems that combine physical screening with AI analytics.
NextGen is deeply committed to serving our education sector clients. We proactively sought this TIPS contract to facilitate significant savings for them. The
protections that these contract-approved technologies provide schools are proving to be highly effective.
In terms of weapons detection capabilities, we implement solutions from Evolv, which is a TIPS approved vendor, to equip schools with a trusted weapons detection system to better safeguard their students, staff, and visitors. Many schools across the country are still adjusting to the real need for elevated security in their buildings and the budgetary concerns they impose. Success stories from other educational institutions are instilling confidence in how weapons detection solutions are helping to meet the challenge. Excerpts from this Use Case of an installation in Pennsylvania for the Upper Darby School District’s High School and two middle schools that Evolv has posted on its website is testament to that:
“Upper Darby High School and two middle schools are using an Evolv weapons detection system. The new AI weapons detection system installed in December in the Upper Darby School District detected seven knives or box cutters, two brass knuckles, and seven pepper spray devices. Evolv uses artificial intelligence to scan for potential weapons. It’s being used at the high school as well as Beverly Hills and Drexel Hill Middle Schools.
“There was fear and some trepidation that it would take hours to get kids into the school, that we would over-identify and improperly search kids,”McGarry said. “Thanks to the work of our kids and our school community, none of those things actually happened.”
Found weapons were turned over to police and a background check done on the families, as well as a threat assessment in some cases. Evolv came to the school district after two firearms-related incidents in September.”
Weapons detection systems like Evolv and others that NextGen deploys as a TIPS contract holder are efficient and effective and aim to promote a welcoming school environment while also improving safety. Evolv solutions are eligible for grant funding and can be layered into other existing security infrastructure. We at NextGen are adept and experienced in helping school districts implement the security solutions they sorely need, both affordably and efficiently. Contact us to learn more about why we are a trusted security solutions provider for our nation’s schools.