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MSD Washington Township

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Evolv Screening Detection

EVOLV Screening Detection

 

Weapons Screening at MSD Washington Township Schools

A modern, white electric vehicle charging station with a tall, curved display panel. MSD Washington Township Schools takes the safety of our students and staff very seriously. A couple years ago, to enhance our security efforts at WTS, we launched a new high-tech scanner and detection system to screen students and visitors for weapons.

Weapons are not permitted on Washington Township Schools’ property. All students and visitors entering District property may be required to submit to a weapon detector screening to ensure no weapons are brought onto the premises. Bags, purses, backpacks, etc., may also be screened using metal/weapon-detecting wands and/or by hand. Refusal to cooperate with the screening procedure will result in the denial of entry (and/or disciplinary action for the student).

EVOLV Guide for Parents

Health & Safety Information

Board Policy on Search & Seizure

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • The system will be in use daily at North Central High School and the JEL Career Center. Because of its portability, it may also be used at other MSD Washington Township school buildings and events. 

  • This state-of-the-art system uses two freestanding pillars with advanced sensors and imaging technology that people must walk through. Signs will be posted instructing students to remove laptops and large binders with metal spines from their bags and backpacks. They will hand these items to a School Official and then proceed through the pillars. If no banned items are detected by the system, the School Official returns the loose item(s) and the student proceeds to class. 

    If a weapon or other possibly banned item is detected, an alarm sounds and the student is instructed to remove their backpack and go through the pillars again. If an alarm sounds again, the student is pulled aside by a School Official to undergo a secondary screening with a handheld detector. Once the possibly banned item is found, it is inspected. If it is on the banned list, it is confiscated and the student may face consequences as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and Handbook. If it is not a banned item, it is returned and the student proceeds to class. 

  • Yes, unless it’s been predetermined that the student’s disability would prevent them from going through the system.

  • MSD Washington Township School Officials, Andy Fran Security, Washington Township School Police Officer, staff and administrators conduct the screenings. They have received comprehensive training on the system, metal detection wands and proper search methods.

  • Most items of mass, volume and thickness, butcher knifes, guns, etc.

  • It shouldn’t. Once students are familiar with the kinds of objects that will trigger an alarm (like umbrellas, laptops, Chromebook, iPad, metal candy tins, some eye glass cases, specific cell phones), they can simply avoid keeping those items in their bags, and backpacks.

  • See the Evolv Health and Safety medical documentation.

  • School officials and School Police will monitor and review protocols using the system, documenting incidents and looking to improve any challenges to efficient entry into school buildings and events. Feedback from staff, students, and families will be collected to refine procedures and improve efficiency. The equipment will receive regular checks and maintenance to ensure it remains functional and effective at all times.

  • Because of the increase in situations involving weapons at schools around the country in recent years, MSD Washington Township School board of directors has been discussing adding an efficient and effective weapon detection system for some time. We strive to provide the safest possible learning environment while prioritizing the emotional well-being and peace of mind of our students and staff. We believe the Evolv express system does that.