New Bedford High Weapons Detectors in Place for Fall Semester

The summer season is winding down and students from across the SouthCoast will head back to the classroom soon. For the first time, New Bedford High School students will pass through a sophisticated weapons detection system to enter the school building.

The New Bedford School Committee recently spent nearly $700,000 with Waltham, Massachusetts-based Evolv Technologies on a state-of-the-art detection system that uses artificial intelligence technology as part of its "innovative approach to physical security screening."

Evolv says, "Traditional security screening was not designed for today's dynamic threats." The company's website says, "Unlike metal detectors, manual bag checks, wanding, and other traditional solutions, Evolv Express offers an innovative approach to physical security screening."

New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira said the system is similar to security systems at venues such as Gillette Stadium. He said AI technology allows the system to scan for any number of potential threats more rapidly and effectively than traditional detection methods.

Oliveira believes the detection system "will be effective."

"Overall, they will make the students feel more comfortable within the school," he said.

"You often hear of districts installing them after a critical incident however, I credit the school committee and administration for being proactive in this case," Oliveira said.

School Committee member Bruce J. Oliveira said the use of weapons detectors is "a positive step to add another level of security for the school."

"Unfortunately, in today's world we have to take steps to lessen the chances of a tragedy knowing full well that we cannot prevent everything," he said. "Almost every event today requires passing through some sort of security and/or metal detector in an effort to increase the safety of the attendees."

At-Large City Councilor Brian Gomes said he is in support of the measure.

"As Public Safety Committee Chair, I support the initiative of the weapons detectors," Gomes said. "This is one step in keeping our students and faculty safe from the elements of crime in our schools."

The Evolv system will be in place when classes begin on August 28, 2024 for Grades 9 and 12. Students in Grades 10 and 11 will encounter the new security measures when they report the following day.

Fall River and Taunton have already begun using AI weapons detection technology.