Oxford Community Schools

Dear Oxford Parents and Guardians and OHS Students,

Student and staff safety continue to guide our way forward as the district's top priority. As such, we have been considering additional security measures to layer into our existing safety protocols and systems.  In December, Secure Education Consultants performed a third-party safety and security review of the district. The summary states, "The district and building administrators have taken appropriate steps to ensure the students, staff and facilities are protected and prepared for critical incidents and emergencies." There were recommendations for some security enhancements and, in specific, it was suggested that we consider weapons detection technology.

After much review, we have accepted the opportunity to take part in a free trial with a weapons detection product from Evolv Technology.  Next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (May 31- June 2), students and staff at Oxford High School will notice Evolv kiosks at one of the front entrances.  This technology is used at many theme parks and sports venues to allow people entering to move through security checkpoints at a seamless pace while security teams pinpoint and stop weapons from entering the building. This technology has piqued our interest as it detects weapons but without the need for pockets to be emptied as with metal detectors and lends to a more welcoming environment.

As shared on their website, “The Evolv weapons detection system combines powerful sensor technology with proven artificial intelligence (AI), security ecosystem integrations, and comprehensive venue analytics to ensure safer, more accurate threat detection at an unprecedented speed and volume.”

This is only a limited three-day trial meant to gather more information from students, staff, and families as we create our three-year plan. 

Another weapons detection product we have been offered to try at the high school is ZeroEyes.  ZeroEyes is a proactive, human-verified A.I. gun detection software that integrates into existing security cameras to recognize weapons and alert authorities if detected.  We have had this software installed on many of our existing cameras at the high school and will be piloting the program on a free trial for the next school year.  

Our District Safety Committee made up of local law enforcement, first responders, school security personnel, local officials, district administration and parents will be evaluating these products’ pros and cons to assist in making a decision if they will become a permanent part of our safety plan.

I hope you all have a good Memorial weekend.