To ensure a safe learning environment and to promote positive social and emotional stability for students and staff while on its campuses, the Valdosta City Schools district implemented weapons detection platforms to keep weapons out of school buildings. The District strictly prohibits the possession of weapons brought to school in violation of state law, District policies and procedures, and the Student Code of Conduct.

Weapon detectors are used by school districts as a means to prevent the infiltration of weapons into the classroom and/or educational environment. The intrusion into a student’s expectation of privacy from the use of a weapon detector is minimal as the purpose is limited to the detection of a student’s possession of a weapon. Weapon detectors may be utilized in any of the District’s schools or facilities. This includes school-sponsored athletic or fine arts events involving both students and the general public.

Evolv Technology creates security screening systems that offer a quick, seamless, and positive experience for students, teachers, faculty, and visitors. The Evolv Express identifies dangerous items inside bags and pockets in real-time, meaning your child(ren) can walk through the sensors without separating themselves from personal items. Students and staff will enter their school at a normal pace; the quick scanning process helps students avoid feelings of discomfort while working towards a safer campus.

Due to manufacturing signatures, there are items that may cause the systems to alert such as 3-ring binders, umbrellas, and hard-shelled eye glass cases. Students are asked to remove these from their bags and hold them out in front of them as they move through the system for quicker access and search by staff.

Please contact Director Sabrina Smith at sabrinaw.smith@gocats.org with any questions.

Learn more about how Evolv works watch this short video.

SAFETY

OPERATION TOP PRIORITY

Safety & Security

Anonymous Alerts

Safety Trainings and Drills

Lockdowns

School Resource Officers

Crisis Communications

Clear Bag Policy

Weapons Detection Systems

Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Game Security

Sabrina W. Smith