Smart Cities, Safer Cities: Inside the Motor City’s Layered Approach to Safety

We sat down at this year’s ISC West Conference to discuss how city leaders are working towards creating safer public spaces. Along with Franklin Hayes, Deputy Chief of the Detroit Police Department and Attorney Paul Mauro of Demarco Law, former Commanding Officer of the New York City Police Department’s Legal Bureau and the Executive Officer of the Intelligence Operations and Analysis Bureau, the discussion focused on initiatives ranging from community engagement to legal and policy approaches, and the use of different technologies. There was an extensive discussion on how to pilot and deploy new technologies to improve public safety while balancing community needs with the goal of making it safer for residents and visitors.

Exciting New Features in MyEvolv and Evolv Insights®

We are excited to announce our latest update, which enhances MyEvolv—a comprehensive platform for managing all things Evolv via desktop or mobile app—and Evolv Insights®, our unique analytics tool designed to help support operational efficiency. This latest update introduces powerful on-the-go tools, enhanced visibility, and new dashboards, helping provide even greater control and information accessibility for our customers. 

I am excited to announce our latest update, which enhances MyEvolv—a comprehensive platform for managing all things Evolv via desktop or mobile app—and Evolv Insights®, our unique analytics tool designed to help support operational efficiency. This latest update introduces powerful on-the-go tools, enhanced visibility, and new dashboards, helping provide even greater control and information accessibility for our customers. 

No fan ever wants to wait to clear security before a game – and certainly not a game as big as the NBA Finals.  But no fan or team wants to compromise on security.  Until Evolv came along, there wasn’t a good way to balance those competing objectives, so entry lines were accepted.  Next-gen systems like Evolv Express eliminate the tradeoff.  Now it’s possible to created safer spaces and greatly reduce entry lines too.  That win-win is a game-changer for teams and venue operators, as almost 50 sports customers – and counting! – can attest.

(More) Champions Choose Evolv

Congratulations to the Celtics. Perhaps in few months, one of our eleven pro baseball or ten pro soccer customers will be the next team to hoist a championship trophy.  We’ll be cheering on the parade in Boston today from our headquarters in Waltham.  Congrats to our home team! 

June 7 kicks off the #WearOrange campaign, a representation of gun violence victims, survivors, and those working together to end gun violence. Today we think deeply about the victims, their families, their friends, colleagues and communities and the lifelong impact such trauma has for them.

Why We Wear Orange

10 Considerations for Concealed Weapons Detection Comparison Testing

Choosing to invest in a concealed weapons detection solution is a significant decision for security teams and organizations alike. When assessing possible systems, conducting independent testing is critical to understanding detection performance, alert rates, and alert resolution. The following outlines ten key considerations as a foundation for conducting fair and accurate comparative testing between systems.

Using Grant Funding to Create Safer Experiences for Houses of Worship

The Federal Government has acknowledged the potential risk Houses of Worship and religious institutions face in the current political and social climate and has allocated funds through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to help offset the cost to these groups and institutions looking to improve their security. Learn more about how to apply.

The current political and social climate in the US and abroad has played a role in creating an environment that may put Houses of Worship and religious institutions at risk for potential violence.

The Federal Government has acknowledged this risk and allocates funds through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to help offset the cost to these groups and institutions looking to improve their security. Learn more about how to apply.

Blog: Using Grant Funding to Create Safer Experiences for Houses of Worship

Last month, Evolv was fortunate to win two significant sports industry awards.  As part of Sports Business Journal’s annual Tech Week event in New York City, Evolv Express® was named “Best in Fan Experience Technology” and “Best in Sports Technology” for 2024.

The Power of Reach and Impact

Last month, we were fortunate to win two significant sports industry awards.  As part of Sports Business Journal’s annual Tech Week event in New York City, Evolv Express® was named “Best in Fan Experience Technology” and “Best in Sports Technology” for 2024.

What Is Visual Gun Detection & How Can It Help Prevent Gun Violence at Healthcare Facilities?

Find out how this modern technology can help healthcare organizations take a more proactive approach to gun detection and safety with a layered security plan.

What Is Visual Gun Detection in Healthcare? | Evolv

Evolv Security Advisory Board Believes Disclosure of Sensitive Information Compromises Public Safety

It has come to our understanding that IPVM, a publication which has historically covered video cameras, continues to promote details of Evolv Express® weapons detection systems. It is our belief that IPVM’s reporting in this matter is irresponsible, and ultimately, could compromise sensitive operating procedures resulting in increased risk to those entering venues we are committed to protecting. 

Evolv's advisors, who have served this country in national security, law enforcement and military organizations, with decades of experience keeping our Homeland safe, here and abroad, write a letter to security professionals supporting Evolv.

Open Letter to Security Professionals

The Evolv in Action Tour is open to all. The full schedule and additional registration information for Evolv in Action can be found here.  Whether cramming future planning into a so-called “off-season” or not, I’m confident that joining us at one of these tour stops would be time very well spent.  Hope to see you there! 

Evolv in Action 

Six Evolv Customers to Play on Wild Card Weekend 

Six of Evolv’s 11 NFL team customers are in the playoffs this year.  That’s six of 14 total teams, and at least one Evolv customer is playing in five of the six Wild Card games.  We even have an “Evolv Bowl” of sorts, as the Cleveland Browns travel to the Houston Texans on Saturday afternoon. 

Six of Evolv’s 11 NFL team customers are in the playoffs this year.  That’s six of 14 total teams, and at least one Evolv customer is playing in five of the six Wild Card games.

Congratulations to the Columbus Crew, 2023 MLS Champions!  The Crew, one of Evolv’s earliest sports customers, beat LAFC by the score of 2-1 in the 2023 MLS Cup Final last Saturday.  This is the Crew’s third MLS championship (having won previously in 2008 and 2020), which is a testament to the quality and consistency of the organization on and off the pitch.

Champions Choose Evolv

In Praise of Solutions that Really Solve Something

Last Saturday, the Columbus Crew, one Evolv’s almost 40 sports clients, prevailed in their MLS Eastern Conference Semi-Final and will now face FC Cincinnati in the Conference Final this weekend. 

A Proven Expert Weighs In: How to Make Schools Safer from Gun Violence

As a follow up to the post, “When Everybody’s an Expert on School Safety, Who Do You Trust?”  it would be irresponsible for us to point out the risks of implicitly trusting a self-proclaimed school safety expert without providing sound advice on ways to make schools safer from gun violence.  

When Everybody’s an Expert on School Safety, Who Do You Trust?

Open most U.S. newspapers or watch a news program today and you’re likely to see a story about a recent shooting or the impact of gun violence. Adding commentary to these stories and writing op/eds on ways to stop gun violence in schools are several self-proclaimed school safety and security experts. With armchair analysis and elementary advice, these “experts” capitalize on tragedies and fear while promoting their consulting services. Caveat emptor. 

Gun Violence in America: A Survey on Americans’ Anxiety

In November 2021, we launched our inaugural report to look at the impact gun violence has on Americans’ lives. We wanted to understand whether a shooting at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado impacted someone on the other side of the country; to measure Americans’ collective anxiety around the pervasive gun violence; and to determine whether gun violence is on people’s minds when they perform everyday tasks, like going to the grocery store. While we expected a certain level of anxiety, the numbers that came back shocked us. But twelve months later, our second-annual report paints an even bleaker picture, one of a citizenry that is exhausted and frustrated, and willing to alter their behavior in order to create safer places. Our neighbors and fellow citizens want to be safe when they go to the grocery store, to see a movie, visit a theme park and go to school.

Reflecting on ten years since the Boston Marathon bombing, we think about the work we have done together and what lies ahead.  In 2011 and 2012, we were actively searching for new technology that could transform an industry.  The Sandy Hook tragedy on December 14, 2012 was followed by 52 more mass shootings over 122 days, leading up to the Boston Marathon bombing on April 15, 2013.  It became clear to both of us that there was a bigger need for technology that could address this new and evolving epidemic. 

A Note from Our Founders

Reflecting on ten years since the Boston Marathon bombing, we think about the work we have done together and what lies ahead.  In 2011 and 2012, we were actively searching for new technology that could transform an industry. 

Schools’ First Step in Security Planning: Conduct a Building Assessment

This is the first in a series of blog posts for K-12 administrators, educators and safety experts as they assess, create and revise safety plans for their schools and districts.  

Schools’ First Step in Security Planning: Conduct a Building Assessment 

New Safety Protocols Cascade Niagara Falls City School District

Being late for school is one of the most common anxiety-inducing dreams experienced by people of all ages. You may have experienced it yourself: the feeling of running late and never being able to catch up with the rest of the class. What if that feeling was not a dream and, in fact, it is real because you’re a student that spends each morning waiting in line as part of the weapons screening process?

What Is Dignified Screening and Why Does It Matter: A Look at Schools

Whether it’s conscious or unconscious bias at work, we have all witnessed certain individuals being screened more closely while others breeze through security checks without a second glance. Helping to reduce the risk of bias and providing equity to all students and venue guests in the security process is a foundational building block of Evolv Technology’s AI-based weapons detection screening systems. It is part of what allows us to provide dignified screening as we advance our mission of making the world a safer place for people to gather.

Whether it’s conscious or unconscious bias at work, we have all witnessed certain individuals being screened more closely while others breeze through security checks without a second glance. Helping to reduce the risk of bias and providing equity to all students and venue guests in the security process is a foundational building block of Evolv Technology’s AI-based weapons detection screening systems. It is part of what allows us to provide dignified screening as we advance our mission of making the world a safer place for people to gather.

To explore and explain what dignified screening in schools means, we sat down with Mike Ellenbogen, Evolv Technology co-founder and chief innovation officer, and Kevin Eberle, education advisor, retired school principal and former law enforcement officer.

Using the city of Detroit as a model for other cities, here is a recap of the conversation.

In 2007, Detroit was ranked as the most dangerous city in the U.S. Back then, when you turned on the news, you were likely to hear about another shooting. Today, when you turn on the news, you are likely to hear about upcoming festivals, concerts, fairs, and other fun activities happening in the city. These are some of the reasons Detroit is now hailed among the country’s most vibrant cities, earning a spot on TIME’s 2022 list of World’s Greatest Places. One of the most critical drivers for the city’s transformation: safety.

According to Hayes, there is not one solution for eliminating gun violence. You need to establish a baseline and work toward that number being less. “Not trying to eliminate, but decrease the incidents,” he advises. “Don’t chase perfection, chase success.”

With a strategic and layered approach to reducing the threat of gun violence, last year Detroit reported its lowest homicide rate in 57 years; gun violence is down 27%, homicides are down 15%, and non-fatal shootings are down 37%.

Detroit’s Safety Strategy Combines People, Processes and Technology

Detroit has several initiatives designed to bolster safety through technology and proven processes while also bringing the community together.

One of the city’s most prominent and successful initiatives is Project Green Light. At no cost to the city, Project Green Light is a public-private collaboration between the Detroit Police Department (DPD), community groups, and local businesses to enhance public safety. It allows the DPD to monitor or capture live surveillance footage within a 30-day window to be used to help solve crimes. There are visible green lights at businesses throughout the city that signal the location has advanced cameras that feed into the DPD’s real-time crime center to immediately alert police if an incident occurs. There are now more than 900 Project Green Light locations throughout the city.

Along with Project Green Light, Detroit uses license plate reader technology as well as acoustic gunshot detection technology to detect and alert police to local gunshot incidents, resulting in faster response times.

According to Hayes, “The minute we have an issue, we get an alert that gunfire was detected, and we can see where the shooter has traveled and if they passed a license plate reader.”

Establishing Event Protocols and Creating Safer Experiences with Evolv

When the city is hosting a major event, such as block parties, sports, high school games, and city celebrations, Evolv’s AI-based weapons detection systems are often in use. Evolv helps enable Detroit to establish safer spaces where people can gather at events and ease anxiety and fear of gun violence.

With regard to Michigan’s gun laws, Hayes said, “While it is legal to open carry in Michigan, it is not legal to bring a gun into a gathering of 10,000 people.”

To reinforce its commitment to a safer city, the city airs public service announcements (PSA) to inform the community prior to events that weapons screening will be taking place and there will be an increased presence of police.

In case someone missed the PSAs, city officials also post on social media and hang physical signs outside event checkpoints to reiterate that guns are not allowed. As a result of these efforts, local police see people return to their cars after they see the signs.

Building Trust by Listening to the Community

The city is also seeing more cooperation from the community as the result of their efforts, with vocal advocates stating how the technology has helped save lives and speaking up when they see suspicious activity. This goes a long way in building stronger relationships between the police and citizens.

“I think the reason the residents trust us and the community buys into this strategy is because we're able to give people that sense of we're making efforts and identifying safe areas,” said Thompson. “While we are not going to catch 100% of criminals, we can change behaviors.”

Along with saving lives and fostering strong ties to the community, Detroit’s safety efforts have enabled the city to save money. When you consider one non-fatal shooting costs the city over $1.3 million, with more resources required if the shooting results in a homicide, the cost benefits are easy to see.

Detroit’s success is largely due to a multi-pronged approach, including engagement with the community, working with local business and organizations, and deploying technology as a force multiplier for the Detroit Police Department. As cities throughout the country explore ways to respond to the threat of gun violence, Detroit is a shining example of how to transform a community and alleviate anxiety.

As the Senior Vice President of Product at Evolv Technology, I am privileged to understand our customers' needs across diverse industries and to innovate solutions that help to meet those needs. At Evolv, we are dedicated to delivering strategic software updates multiple times a year, helping to ensure our customers' experiences and connected products improve throughout their investment. 

Our new reporting capabilities offer intuitive insights and automated reports, that can help support staffing decisions, facilitate easy data export for reporting needs, and track trends over time. 

User-Friendly Portal Navigation: Tailored views for specific industries streamline the information they need right when they log into MyEvolv. 

Actionable Reports: Weekly and monthly operational and security reports at a frequency suitable for many committees, staff meetings, work councils, or external reporting. Automated delivery includes the ability to subscribe and have these “pushed” to your inbox for easy consumption.  

Threat Map Report: Ideal for administrators and leaders managing multiple Evolv Express venues, this report uses geographic maps to visually benchmark and evaluate visitor flow and alert data. 

Image data can now play a crucial role in helping optimize security protocols and effectiveness. 

Alert Image Access: Visibility can aid in helping verify security measures, addressing guest concerns, and supporting law enforcement compliance with verified and unverified alert screening images. 

Our updated MyEvolv mobile app helps keep you connected with real-time system control and insights. 

Real-Time Dashboards: Monitor up-to-the-minute data to make quick operational adjustments, such as reallocating staff. 

Mobile App Enhancements: Manage security data, settings, alerts, receive push notifications on the go, and access key insights and reports – it’s like having Evolv in your pocket! 

Our goal at Evolv is to continuously innovate and enhance our solutions to meet and exceed our customers' expectations. The latest updates to MyEvolv and Evolv Insights are a testament to this commitment, providing tools and information that can help support operational efficiency and security effectiveness. With intuitive reporting, access to alert images, and real-time mobile capabilities, we hope to help empower our customers to make smarter decisions and create safer experiences.  

Congratulations to the Boston Celtics, who on June 17 became not only the 2023/2024 NBA Champions, but also the winningest team in NBA history, earning their 18th title and surpassing their cross-country rival the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Celtics also join the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Crew, Houston Astros, and Las Vegas Golden Knights in the group of current Evolv customers that have won recent league championships.  This further demonstrates what we’ve said before:  Champions Choose Evolv.  

We don’t think it’s a coincidence that these winning teams have put an emphasis on excellence on and off the field of play.  Winning a pro league title is the ultimate organizational accomplishment, and the same culture of high performance that makes for winners on the court, ice, pitch, or field also wants to win at the gates, doors, and concourses.  After all, as the Celtics championship series showed, the fans matter to the end result – after a blowout loss in Game 4 in Dallas, the team came roaring back at home in Game 5 – and deserve to be treated just as well as the players.

That’s where Evolv comes in.  No fan ever wants to wait to clear security before a game – and certainly not a game as big as the NBA Finals.  But no fan or team wants to compromise on security.  Until Evolv came along, there wasn’t a good way to balance those competing objectives, so entry lines were accepted.  Next-gen systems like Evolv Express eliminate the tradeoff.  Now it’s possible to create safer spaces and greatly reduce entry lines too.  That win-win is a game-changer for teams and venue operators, as almost 50 sports customers – and counting! – can attest.       

Congratulations again to the Celtics.  Perhaps in few months, one of our eleven pro baseball or ten pro soccer customers will be the next team to hoist a championship trophy.  We’ll be cheering on the parade in Boston today from our headquarters in Waltham.  Congrats to our home team! 

June marks the 10th annual National Gun Violence Awareness Month to raise awareness and help end gun violence. June 7 kicks off the #WearOrange campaign, a representation of gun violence victims, survivors, and those working together to end gun violence. 

Today we think deeply about the victims, their families, their friends, colleagues and communities and the lifelong impact such trauma has for them. We hold their hearts with ours and wish for better. 

At Evolv, we are driven by a vision of a world where people can gather without the constant fear of gun violence. We come to work every day with a deep sense of purpose to do our small part in making the world a safer place. One billion people scanned. Over 400,000 weapons detected last year alone from entering prohibited spaces. Countless stories of loaded guns being stopped when they see Evolv. 

We may never be able to quantify exactly what has been prevented, but we won’t stop working towards solutions to help put an end to gun violence. We all deserve to live in a world where we feel safe to gather… to live, to learn, to work and to play.  

Choosing to invest in a concealed weapons detection solution is a significant decision for security teams and organizations alike.  The solution must help enhance the security of your venue while aligning with your current operations.

When assessing possible systems, conducting independent testing is critical to understanding detection performance, alert rates, and alert resolution. The following outlines ten key considerations as a foundation for conducting fair and accurate comparative testing between systems.


1.  Set Up the System in Your Environment: Ensure there is a consistent lane width distance for reliable detection every time. Avoid anyone adjusting the width during testing and assess ADA-compliance based on the recommended lane width.

2.  Factor Outdoor Conditions on Detection and Nuisance Alerts: If using the system outdoors, consider the impact of outdoor conditions on system performance. Verify the system is weather-resistant, stable, and doesn’t require additional weight to prevent tipping. Observe how wind affects detection performance and whether it leads to an increase in nuisance alert rates.

3.  Grasp Control of Recommended Security Settings: Comprehend the detection performance at the provider’s recommended security setting for your venue. Guarantee that settings are not adjusted between tests with visual verification. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the methods for adjusting or controlling sensitivity, whether through mobile, desktop, or directly on the system.

4.  Test with Real, Commonly Carried Firearms: Perform comprehensive detection tests using authentic, commonly carried firearms. Note that test pieces do not always represent the construction and performance of real threats. It’s important to be aware that imitation firearms can easily be purchased online, used during testing, and these replicas are typically made of zinc and will not reliably trigger alerts.

5.  Test Firearms in Multiple Positions on the Body: Thoroughly test a range of authentic firearm models across various positions on the body and orientations, all while maintaining consistent sensitivity settings throughout each test. Evaluate the accuracy and consistency of detection at different points on the body from ankle to head.

6.  Understand the Threat Resolution Process: When an individual triggers an alert, understand how the system provides visibility into who and where to search. In the absence of a visual showing an image of the person and the targeted threat location, understand the alternative of less effective hand-wanding and error-prone manual pat downs.

7.  Comprehend Available Analytics and Security System Integrations: Assess the availability of key data such as visitor arrival curves, alert statistics, detected weapons, and more to enhance operational efficiency. Inquire about regular automated push reports for insights directly to your inbox.

8.  Explore Support of Concept of Operations (ConOps): Understand the vendor’s role throughout implementation and go-live in designing operational plans, conducting guard training, offering on-site support, and providing communications for your staff.

9.  Verify Compliance, Testing, and Standards: Ensure the system adheres to OSHA’s National Recognized Test Laboratory (NRTL) production compliance requirement for electronic devices deployed in buildings, has undergone third-party testing (e.g., Metrix NDT Ltd. Etc.), qualifies as an anti-terrorism technology under the DHS SAFETY Act, and verify the highest NILECJ standards met.

10.  Assess Accuracy and Consistency: Utilize the above parameters for testing, ensuring an apples-to-apples comparison across systems in terms of 1) detection performance, 2) alert rates, and 3) alert resolution, while also considering the impact on the visitor experience.


Evolv is committed to supporting you throughout the process and beyond. Our team is available to conduct on-site testing, offer additional testing guideline materials, and guide you through the decision-making process.

The current political and social climate in the US and abroad has played a role in creating an environment that may put Houses of Worship and religious institutions at risk for potential violence.

According to the FBI*, religious hate crimes have been on the rise and reported antisemitic hate crimes in the U.S. rose by more than 38 percent in 2022. These threats have manifested themselves in horrible tragedies such as the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in 2018, the First Baptist Church Shooting in 2017, and the Al Noor Mosque Shooting in 2019.

There are a number of solutions for faith leaders and their security professionals to help keep their congregation safe while maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment.

The Federal Government has acknowledged the risk to Houses of Worship and other soft targets and allocates funds through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to help offset the cost to these groups and institutions looking to improve their security.

Download the below documents to learn more and to apply.

*Source: 2022 FBI Hate Crimes Statistics: https://www.justice.gov/crs/highlights/2022-hate-crime-statistics. Updated as of October 30, 2023.

For assistance in grant writing, Evolv has a number of partners who can assist. Contact your Evolv representative or fill out the Contact Us form.

Last month, Evolv was fortunate to win two significant sports industry awards.  As part of Sports Business Journal’s annual Tech Week event in New York City, Evolv Express® was named “Best in Fan Experience Technology” and “Best in Sports Technology” for 2024.  In the former category, Express was selected from a pool of 97 total candidates and four other finalists.  These finalists represented a sports industry A-list:  NASCAR, NBA, NHL, and USGA.  The latter category is akin to a “best in show” award and was selected from 34 finalists in six categories.  Here too, Express was selected over a who’s-who of tech companies, including Amazon, Apple, and Verizon and numerous cutting-edge startups.  In both cases, the decisions were made by a panel of some 30 independent judges drawn from throughout the industry.

It's obviously very personally gratifying to win these awards, and it was a real thrill to step to the podium twice to collect a trophy in recognition of the accomplishment.  Those of us in the sports world know that SBJ is the industry standard, and that these awards do really mean something.  I must also stress that while I was the one on stage, these awards are a collective achievement of 300-plus Evolvers.  

How did Evolv earn this recognition over some of tech and sports’ most well-established giants and most interesting newcomers?  I think the answer comes down to reach and impact.  As we’ve emphasized for some time, Express really is unique in sports tech in that its benefits positively impact virtually every guest at every event.  After all, every attendee must pass through security screening upon entry.  The same can’t be said of most other sports tech offerings, which only target or appeal to a sub-set of the total addressable audience.  With a dual mission of safer and more convenient experiences at live events, this universal reach is part of our core product strategy and value proposition, because neither safety nor fan experience can afford a weak link or missing piece

Going deeper, I think another contributing factor in the selection was Evolv’s rapid growth.  We’re quickly approaching 50 pro and collegiate sports customers in the U.S., and we’re in active discussions with many more teams, events, and properties.  Tech adoption – in sports and many other sectors – tends to follow a curve, from the “early adopters” to the “laggards.”  Evolv is fortunate that many leading sports organizations have wanted to be early adopters of our transformative solution.

On behalf of Evolv, I thank those organizations for their trust.  This recognition really belongs as much to them as it does to us, because collectively we’re setting a standard of venue security and guest experience that truly is award-worthy and benefits all.

It’s hard to ignore the constant news headlines of one mass shooting after another. In 2023, the Gun Violence Archive tallied 656 mass shootings in the United States, making it the year with the second-highest number of mass shootings over the past decade, following 2021. And then there are other incidents of gun violence that less commonly make the news, such as a shooting that stems from a dispute between individuals (as opposed to an active shooter targeting numerous people in a populated area).

Hospitals and healthcare facilities are no exception. Shootings have been reported at healthcare centers across the nation, which adds to the problem of workplace violence in the healthcare industry. (According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare and social service industries have the highest rates of injury from workplace violence. In fact, healthcare workers are five times as likely to suffer a workplace violence injury when compared to workers overall.)

While gun violence my not be as likely to occur as other forms of workplace violence in healthcare (such as a patient becoming physically aggressive with a nurse), it is a threat that deserves attention from healthcare security leaders.

Fortunately, there are steps that healthcare organizations can take to help identify brandished firearms early and help  prevent gun violence before it occurs. This is through visual gun detection, which is most effective when it is incorporated into a robust, video management system as part of a multi-layered security approach. In this post, we will explore what visual gun detection means today and how it can help healthcare organizations be proactive in keeping their premises and their people safer.

Visual gun detection is a solution that leverages artificial intelligence to help businesses and organizations detect brandished firearms on and around their premises through their surveillance camera systems. With solutions like Evolv Visual Gun Detection™, security cameras, whether inside or outside the facility, can proactively identify brandished firearms, providing immediate alerts to security professionals once a threat is detected.

For a hospital or other healthcare facility, this means the technology could provide early warning of someone brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime such as in the following types of settings under video surveillance:

In an open area outside the building, such as a courtyard or walkway

In a walkway leading to a building entrance

Modern visual gun detection solutions are able to send real-time alerts and video footage to the appropriate parties (on-site security personnel, a third-party monitoring service, and/or local authorities), and they can integrate with the healthcare organization’s other security and emergency response systems, such as panic buttons and automatic-locking doors.

Why is A.I.-based visual gun detection a game changer for healthcare security?

Artificial intelligence does what humans simply cannot – it can watch all surveillance footage simultaneously, every second of the day, without being subject to fatigue, distraction, or bias. 

Even when organizations do assign security personnel to watch security cameras feeds around-the-clock (which is not really practical), this is not effective, as research shows that the accuracy and effectiveness of human video monitoring decreases as the number of cameras and the length of monitoring time increases.

Following 12 minutes of continuous video monitoring, an operator will likely overlook up to 45% of screen activity, and they will likely overlook up to 95% after 22 minutes. (Ainsworth, 2002)

Operators monitoring nine surveillance camera screens were only a little over 50% successful in detecting an specific item they were instructed to look for. (Wallace, et. al, 1997)

Healthcare organizations that use advanced technology to assist in their gun detection efforts are taking a proactive approach to identifying firearms on their properties and responding to potential incidents of gun violence at the earliest point possible. Many are turning their video management system from a purely reactionary system to a proactive device feeding real time intelligence to the people who need it. They are equipping their security teams with the tools and technology they need to help increase their speed and efficiency in responding to threats.

Why Visual Gun Detection Is Essential for a Multi-Layered Security Approach in Healthcare

Many hospitals and healthcare sites are already taking steps to detect firearms at their points of entry. This may be through a modern weapons detection system like Evolv Express®  that screens individuals while they walk into a facility at a natural pace, or it may be through a more traditional system like a metal detector.

However, these types of screening systems are specifically focused on detecting concealed weapons, and they are only used in specific areas of a facility – typically at points of entry.

But what about other areas outside and inside the facility? In active shooter incidents, the assailant may already be brandishing a firearm before entering the building, and they could use the weapon to force their way past security. Alternatively, internal co-worker threats, such as an employee who takes out a firearm after sneaking it in through an unsecured entrance to circumvent concealed weapons screening.

When healthcare organizations use visual gun detection technology in tandem with point-of-entry weapons screening systems, they add another layer of security that extends the area of coverage and helps to strengthen existing safety measures.

Additionally, when visual gun detection and weapons screening systems are integrated with other security technologies, important actions can be automated (such as panic alerts to local authorities, automatic locking of doors, and emergency mass notification), creating the potential for a more seamless emergency communication and response.

Evolv Visual Gun Detection™: Identify Firearm Threats at First Sight

With Evolv Visual Gun Detection, healthcare organizations can enhance security by leveraging A.I. on their security cameras to identify brandished firearms. When paired with Evolv Express, the combined solution provides multi-layered security at the threshold and beyond. This helps enable the “First Reactor” - the security professional stationed at entry or near an Evolv Express system – with the option to receive prompt alerts, featuring live annotated video of the detected threat and allowing for a rapid security response in seconds.

[Note: Include an image that shows the First Reactor tablet with footage of a suspect.]

With Evolv Visual Gun Detection, healthcare organizations get:

24/7 A.I. monitoring of all selected surveillance cameras

Direct alerts to an on-site security teams and/or a third-party monitoring service

The ability to self-manage alerts through mobile, desktop, and the web

Early warning that can reduce reaction time, potentially leading to faster threat resolution

Enhanced situational awareness by providing security teams and law enforcement with important details such as the suspect’s appearance, the suspect’s location, and the type of weapon used

The ability to extend protected areas, adding another layer to the existing security posture

A system that integrates with video management systems and other security technologies

Employing AI-based video analytic solutions can help public safety and security specialists be a force multiplier in identifying and preventing tragedy on healthcare campuses.

If you are interested in providing an additional layer of security that can help keep your patients, visitors, and staff members safe from potential gun violence, learn more about Evolv’s Visual Gun Detection solution.

You can also register for our upcoming webinar, “Using Visual Gun Detection to Build a More Proactive Layered Security Plan,” which is taking place on April 3rd, 2024.

The need to provide transparency in physical security without helping potential attackers and bad actors exploit sensitive information is a fundamental paradox of the security industry. It is an especially careful balance when introducing new security technology, such as AI-based weapons detection, to the mainstream.   

As security professionals who have spent our decades-long careers serving the U.S. in national security, law enforcement and military organizations, we understand and respect transparency and dissemination of sensitive information with those essential to know as a tenant to keeping the public safe.  

When it comes to the sensitive operational details of physical security systems, including their capabilities and performance characteristics, essential personnel are those who require access to conduct their official duties. This typically relates to those performing security or intelligence roles. Protecting methods and means is a fundamental best practice of any security or intelligence organization.  

Evolv is very transparent with their customers and vendors who have a need to know, however, to widely disseminate this sensitive information will undoubtedly have the unintended consequence of providing information to those intent upon exploiting any and all security systems. 

The safety of the general public is our primary duty as advisors and national security leaders.   

-Dan Coats, former Director of National Intelligence; Senator and Ambassador 

-David Cohen, former Deputy Director of Operations, Central Intelligence Agency; Deputy Commissioner, New York Police Department 

-Juliette Kayyem, former Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security 

-Jin Kim, former Active Shooter Coordinator on the Crisis Management Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation 

-John Pistole, former Administrator, Transportation Security Administration; former Deputy Director for Counter Terrorism, Federal Bureau of Investigation; former Deputy Director for the FBI 

-Mark Sullivan, former Director, United States Secret Service 

-General Tony Thomas, 11th Commander, United States Special Operations Command, United States Military 

We have served this country in national security, law enforcement and military organizations.  Each of us has decades of experience keeping our Homeland safe, here and abroad.  Our experience spans the use of technology, intelligence, people, and assets to keep our country safe. 

We have a combined 150 years’ experience, having served in leadership positions in the Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Defense, New York Police Department, Office of National Intelligence, Transportation Security Administration, and United States Secret Service.

Today, we serve as advisors to Evolv Technology. We have known this company for years; many of us have worked with Evolv for nearly a decade. Our work has included reviewing the current business and products of Evolv, discussions with customers on their use of the technology, and discussing new product concepts.  We know the company well, we know the people who run it, and regularly meet with Evolv and their customers.

We believe that Evolv and its management are dedicated to their mission to Make the World a Safer Place. They are committed to understanding the best use of their products, making improvements to the technology over time, and finding ways they can help their customers achieve their security objectives.  

We have seen a wide variety of security technologies over our careers. The Evolv Express system provides an innovative approach to screening people, differentiating weapons from personal items as people walk through without always having to stop. We have seen the Evolv Express’ capabilities improve over time through both technological improvements and a deeper understanding of operational environments. Evolv combines the knowledge of security experts, experience operating thousands of systems screening millions of people, best in class engineers, committed workforce, continuous understanding of customers’ needs, and awareness of current threats to improve the technology and provide guidance on how it can best be used. The company cares deeply about ensuring customers and security professionals fully understand the system and they operate with high integrity in discussions about their technology and its capabilities.  

Finally, we strongly believe that a security plan should include multiple layers to address different threat vectors and provide redundancy. These layers include people, process and technology working together.  There is no single layer of security that will provide 100% security, that is why there are multiple layers which have proven to be the most successful in mitigating the highest degree of risk. Evolv’s solutions can be an important security technology to help detect and prevent threats from entering prohibited areas.

-Dan Coats, former Director of National Intelligence; Senator and Ambassador

-David Cohen, former Deputy Director of Operations, Central Intelligence Agency; Deputy Commissioner, New York Police Department

-Juliette Kayyem, former Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

-Jin Kim, former Active Shooter Coordinator on the Crisis Management Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation

-John Pistole, former Administrator, Transportation Security Administration; former Deputy Director for Counter Terrorism, Federal Bureau of Investigation; former Deputy Director for the FBI

-Mark Sullivan, former Director, United States Secret Service

-General Tony Thomas, 11th Commander, United States Special Operations Command, United States Military

Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs for their thrilling overtime victory in Super Bowl LVIII. 

The NFL season may now be officially over, but the business of sports has no season.  Believe it or not, all NFL teams – including the Chiefs and 49ers – are already busy planning for 2024.  This isn’t just an NFL phenomenon either.  Business staff in every sport must be able to focus simultaneously on delivering in the present and getting ready for the future.    

To multi-task like this, efficiency is key.  The most successful team and venue executives have developed strategies to gather and process information quickly and drive toward decisions. 

Here at Evolv, we’re doing our part to help these executives get the information they need to make good decisions about venue security screening.  We believe that information should ideally include an IRL (in real life) opportunity to see Evolv Express in action.  Especially for experienced operators who have struggled to reduce entry lines, there’s just no substitute for seeing firsthand a system that can safely and effectively screen as many as 4,000 people per hour.  We use the word “transform” a lot for a reason.  Seeing Express in action truly transforms the understanding of what’s possible. 

To make the IRL experience as easy as possible, we’re organizing a major live demo initiative this spring … the Evolv in Action Tour.  We’ve locked in dates for showcase events at 16 sports customer sites from coast to coast, from Citi Field in New York to SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.  Each event will have a full Express demonstration.  As extra incentive, each participant will also be our guest in a suite for a game or for a behind-the-scenes venue tour. 

I work in our sports vertical, so that’s naturally the focus of my blogs – but Evolv is much broader, with hundreds of customers in education, healthcare, and other sectors.  The Evolv in Action Tour is open to all.  We just use sports venues for these demos because they have very demanding performance requirements and rigorous vetting processes, which means if they trust Evolv others can confidently do so too.  And because they’re fun! 

The full schedule and additional registration information for Evolv in Action can be found here.  Whether cramming future planning into a so-called “off-season” or not, I’m confident that joining us at one of these tour stops would be time very well spent.  Hope to see you there! 

In my last blog post, I introduced two themes that are worth revisiting on the eve of NFL Wild Card Weekend.  First is the notion – which I would humbly submit is really more of a fact – that “champions choose Evolv.”  Second is the reality that playoff games can pose special challenges for event operators.  This weekend, with six NFL Playoff games, really illustrates both of these themes. 

In terms of champions continuing to choose Evolv, I certainly won’t make any predictions, but in the any-given-Sunday NFL, our chances seem pretty good.  Six of Evolv’s 11 NFL team customers are in the playoffs this year.  That’s six of 14 total teams, and at least one Evolv customer is playing in five of the six Wild Card games.  We even have an “Evolv Bowl” of sorts, as the Cleveland Browns travel to the Houston Texans on Saturday afternoon. 

Speaking of the Texans and NRG Stadium, this is a great example of a primary Evolv Express® value proposition:  operational simplicity and peace of mind that a persistent problem is solved.  NRG Stadium hosted the College Football Playoff National Championship game on Monday night.  Five days later, the same building will host the Texans’ first home playoff game since 2020.  That’s a huge operational challenge, and ingress is always a concern in the post-season, with added numbers of VIPs and first-time attendees who are unfamiliar with the venue layout.  How nice, then, for the Texans and NRG Stadium staffs to know that ingress is one thing they don’t have to worry about in a very compressed work week. 

Best of luck to all 14 NFL teams competing to win Super Bowl LVIII.  My loyalties are clear, except in this weekend’s “Evolv Bowl” where I will be decidedly neutral.  And for the remaining 13 NFL teams that are not yet Evolv customers and already thinking about next season, just a friendly suggestion to add upgraded ingress screening to your planning mix.  We’d love to talk to you about the many reasons why champions choose Evolv. 

I think it’s also appropriate to note that, while perhaps not as exciting as the game action, Evolv did play an essential role in the 2023 MLS Cup Final fan experience.  Our Express platform has been a key part of every Crew home game at Lower.com Field, because the team relies on Express to securely and conveniently screen a large number of fans in a very short time through one main entrance.  Never was this more true than last Saturday, which saw that stadium set a record with 20,802 attendees.  As a sports industry veteran, I know that playoff games can be especially challenging for Ops staff because an atypically large percentage of attendees (VIPs, sponsors, celebrities, visiting team fans, and so forth) tend to be unfamiliar with the venue.  Add in the realities of a cool and damp December afternoon, which means more jackets and blankets, and you have all the makings for a difficult ingress.  But the Crew, the Lower.com Field staff, and Evolv Express handled the challenge without a hitch.

The Crew are not our only championship customer.  In fact, we’ve seen a flurry of recent championships from our client roster, including both major tenants at Ball Arena in Denver (Denver Nuggets, 2023 NBA Champions; Colorado Avalanche, 2022 NHL Champions), the Houston Astros/Minute Maid Park (2022 MLB World Series Champions), and the Los Angeles Rams/SoFi Stadium (2021 NFL Super Bowl Champions).

Winning a pro sports championship requires greatness from an entire organization, sport and business alike.  It’s no surprise, then, that the same teams that demand nothing but the best from and for themselves and their fans on the field have the same high standards and expectations off the field.  When that’s the goal, the choice for ingress screening becomes obvious … and that’s why champions choose Evolv.

Congratulations again to the Columbus Crew.  And with several of Evolv’s NFL customers well positioned for the upcoming playoffs, perhaps another champion will give us reason to send congratulations in about two months.  I can’t wait to find out.

Last Saturday, the Columbus Crew, one Evolv’s almost 40 sports clients, prevailed in their MLS Eastern Conference Semi-Final and will now face FC Cincinnati in the Conference Final this weekend. This battle for Ohio bragging rights and a trip to the MLS Cup Final will take place in Cincinnati rather than at Lower.com Field, but it still got me thinking about the role that we play today in MLS and sports in general.

By way of background, Evolv Express® has been a key part of the fan experience at Lower.com Field since it opened in July of 2021. The Crew wanted their new stadium to be modern in every respect, so old-school walk-through metal detectors just wouldn’t do. They also have a unique operational challenge: to accommodate their fans’ desired arrival patterns, they need to screen about 16,000 attendees at one entrance in 20 minutes!  Without compromising security effectiveness. With these requirements, Express was really the only option. In the two-plus years since, I’m proud to say that we’ve hit that spec more than 40 times.

We now have seven MLS clients. I take additional pride in this number, because I know it means that existing clients are referring us to new ones. And not just in MLS, but in MLB, NFL, and NHL too.

I think the main reason why one team recommends us to the next is because our “solution” really solves something … in our case, the entry line, which is a near-universal pain point for fans and operators alike. Columbus is an extreme example, but every team and venue has its own version of the challenge of safely admitting fans to the building without always making them incur long lines and inconveniences. When a venue deploys Express, we don’t just make this pain point better – we essentially eliminate it, even at peak times. And we can do this with fewer staff in less square footage. That can mean a much better outcome that actually costs less in total than the old way, which is a rare combo. 

It's easy to see why this has become a popular solution. When a team or venue selects Evolv, they know they can check a big item totally off their to-do list … problem solved! How many venue technologies can offer that?

Good luck to the Crew, and all the other Evolv customers playing this weekend.    

Of course, there are many posts on this blog about making schools safer from gun violence, including a layered approach to school safety by Jill Lemond, former assistant superintendent of safety and school operations in Oxford, Michigan Community Schools. Before offering my advice, however, I think it’s important you know my credentials. While I’m typically reluctant to blatantly call attention to myself, in the age of “everybody’s an expert in gun violence,” I felt it important to provide my background to instill confidence in my recommendations. 

I am a former police officer. I have been trained in emergency response and tactical maneuvers. I have completed training with the Secret Service and FBI in Sniper School/Dignitary Protection and was a former member of the Special Weapons and Tactical Team (SWAT) team. I protected a former President of the United States. I was also a school teacher and principal for over 25 years and earned a doctorate in educational leadership and administration. I am highly skilled in lesson planning, educational technology, trauma-informed care and emergency response to critical situations in school environments. I currently advise schools on safety and weapons detection systems as part of a holistic approach to reducing the threat of gun violence. Based on more than 40 years working with students, parents, schools and communities on safety strategies and tactics, I offer the following three tangible recommendations for helping make schools safer from gun violence.   

1. Apply a multi-layered approach to school safety. I can’t stress this point enough; when it comes to school safety and security, every school needs to take a layered approach that spans people, processes and technology.  

From the people perspective, it begins with narratives from within the schools – voices from students, teachers, administrators, support staff, and parents to determine the steps needed to improve school safety. Taking this further, consider the benefits of initiating open dialog about the multiple measures of prevention that are available. We can reduce fear, anxiety and depression – leading factors in gun violence – through the introduction of trauma-informed care, restorative practices, professional learning communities, and transformational leadership workshops.  

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