Tag: School

Delaware’s Appoquinimink Schools To Begin New Academic Year With Evolv Technology At High School Stadiums

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State’s Fastest Growing District Will Use the Security Screening at Athletic Events 

 

WALTHAM, Mass. – (August 2, 2023) – Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV) has partnered with Appoquinimink School District in southern New Castle County, Delaware, to bring its AI-based weapons detection security screening to the district’s three high schools. Evolv Express® will be deployed beginning in August at each high school’s stadium and will be used to screen fans attending football games. 

Appoquinimink shared that it was their commitment to safety and security that led to its decision to work with Evolv, which has partnered with more than 400 schools across the U.S.to add a new layer of safety. The system was particularly appealing to Appoquinimink because unlike traditional metal detectors, which have the potential to alarm frequently and feel intrusive, Express helps individuals to pass through at the pace of life and only alerts on potentially threatening items. Also attractive was the system’s ease of operation and longevity. 

“We’re impressed with how easy the system is to set up and take down, that it’s mobile, and that our team members will be able to operate the equipment with ongoing support from the Evolv team,” said Tom Poehlmann, Appoquinimink’s director of safety, security, and operations. “The fact that this technology is software-based and will continue to get better and stay up-to-date is also major win for us.” 

Appoquinimink joins a growing list of school districts nationwide to adopt Evolv’s tech at a time when anxiety around gun violence is high. A study on the topic commissioned by Evolv and released earlier this year found that of those surveyed, half of the households with children have considered homeschooling their kids out of fear of gun violence. Seventy-five percent of parent respondents indicated that their child(ren) has anxiety about school shootings. 

“We understand that creating a safer environment can’t come at the sacrifice of a warm and welcoming atmosphere, particularly in schools,” said Neil Sandhoff, Evolv’s vice president of education. “That is equally true for the classroom as it is for athletics, and we’re eager to see the community’s response to the new screening method following its roll out next month.” 

 

About Evolv Technology 

Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV) is transforming human security to make a safer, faster, and better experience for the world’s most iconic venues and companies as well as schools, hospitals, and public spaces, using industry leading artificial intelligence (AI)-powered weapons detection and analytics. Its mission is to transform security to create a safer world to work, learn, and play. Evolv has digitally transformed the gateways in places where people gather by enabling seamless integration combined with powerful analytics and insights. Evolv’s advanced systems have scanned more than 600 million people, second only to the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States. Evolv has been awarded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SAFETY Act Designation as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology (QATT) as well as the Security Industry Association (SIA) New Products and Solutions (NPS) Award in the Law Enforcement/Public Safety/Guarding Systems category. Evolv Technology®, Evolv Express®, Evolv Insights®, and Evolv Cortex AI® are registered trademarks of Evolv Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions. For more information, visit https://evolvtechnology.com. 

Forward-looking Statements 

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking” statements and information, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events or our Company’s performance and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended on December 31, 2022, that was filed with the SEC on March 24, 2023, as may be updated in other filings we make with the SEC, including our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended on March 31, 2023 that was filed with the SEC on May 10, 2023.  These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.   

 

Media Contact: 
Alexandra Smith Ozerkis 
aozerkis@evolvtechnology.com 

  

Investor Contact: 
Brian Norris 
bnorris@evolvtechnology.com 

 

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

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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.  

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.  

For processes, I believe schools can take a collaborative approach in creating a mindset that introduces school safety in both a preventative and responsive manner. This isn’t about writing to-do lists or tips on how to react in critical situations that have already occurred. Rather, it’s about bringing educators, students, parents, and stakeholders together on the ways we can prevent an incident and what to do in the event of an incident.  

When it comes to technology, instead of debating the use of a weapons screening system, communities should see the discussion as an opportunity. It allows communities to come together and to create safer environments where technology is one of several approaches. 

I will share that after speaking with many students and teachers that have installed AI-based weapons detection systems in their schools, they say the use of these systems demonstrates that their districts are focusing on overall safety by starting with preventative measures first.  

They see the systems as part of the multi-layered approach that’s also helping to open dialog about safety from all aspects. In many schools, the systems create an additional opportunity for teachers and administrators to greet students as they enter schools each day. This helps set a positive tone where every student feels included and recognized and is yet another way we can make our schools and communities safer. 

2. Acknowledge that safety is an on-going priority and yes, it takes a village: Unfortunately, there is no magic wand or one single expert that can address all safety issues once and for all. It’s an ongoing process where school communities should focus on relationship building and de-escalation practices. This is where amazing experts and school safety experts can provide tremendous value in collaborating with educators on the multi-layered approach to school safety. This way, safety experts can do what they do best while educators and students focus on teaching and learning in safer environments. This doesn’t discount the narratives and insights from key stakeholders, but it does lessen the heavy burden of school safety that’s currently on the people at school to learn and teach. 

As you can see, there isn’t just one answer or one expert to reduce the threat of gun violence. It requires many, many people working together from a variety of perspectives in schools and the community. In fact, that is the only way we can make a difference – by working together in the interests of the greater good. 

 

3. Establish protocols before an incident occurs. Did you ever stop to think why schools are no longer one-room wooden houses and are now made of brick? Or why every school is required to have sprinklers, smoke detectors, fire alarms, call boxes, fire safety videos, and fire drills? According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), from 1937-1954, there were eight U.S. school fires in grades K-12 that resulted in 755 deaths.  

Today, while fires still occur in schools, there are far fewer, they are quickly contained and fatalities are rare. NFPA’s most recent data reports that in the years 2014-2018, fires caused annual averages of one civilian death, 39 civilian injuries, and $37 million in direct property damage. While every school tragedy is horrific, the actions that were put into place decades ago to reduce the risk of fires have also resulted in fewer fire-related deaths. We need to apply the same logic to reducing gun violence in schools. 

As gun violence continues to claim more lives, and the number of students and teachers killed in school continues to get higher, having systems in place to prevent weapons from entering should be part of safety protocols. Much like schools have alarms for fires, they should also have alarms for weapons to prevent them from entering the building. 

The good news is that more and more schools are adopting a multi-layered approach to safety that includes weapons detection screening. I believe the key to making this happen is by having a transformational leader that understands the layered approach to safety and leads a shared vision for safer schools. 

That vision is one where students perform at their best because they are less anxious and distracted by the thought of gun violence. Where teachers aren’t ready to leave the profession because of warranted fears and stress that their lives at risk. And where parents confidently send their children to school each morning knowing they will be able to tuck them in each night.   

Clovis Municipal Schools Use Evolv for Threat Detection

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Evolv’s AI-Powered Screening Solution Employed at New Mexico School District’s High School 

 

WALTHAM, Mass. – (May 9, 2023) – Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV), the leader in AI-based weapons detection security screening, today announced its partnership with New Mexico’s Clovis Municipal Schools. The school system will use Evolv’s state-of-the-art Evolv Express® screening solution at its schools.  

Evolv Express uses powerful sensor technology with artificial intelligence (AI) to provide safer, more accurate threat detection at unprecedented volume and speed. Clovis Schools will use Evolv to screen students, staff, and visitors as they enter.  

“With gun violence on the rise nationwide, we felt we needed to take a proactive step to keep our students and staff safer,” said Loran Hill, senior director of operations for Clovis Municipal Schools. “Evolv gives us the security we need, and since it can tell the difference between threats and most of the everyday items people bring into school, our students’ routines won’t change when they come to school, keeping anxiety levels low and the focus on education.” 

Students, staff, and visitors are able to walk through the Evolv Express unit every morning without always having to be individually checked unless something is detected. Clovis Municipal Schools has two Evolv Express systems. In addition to the indoor system that will be used at schools, they have another outdoor one that can be used to help secure school and community events.  

“One of the guiding principles for Clovis High School is that all site decisions are based on the academic, social, and emotional needs of the students as well as their physical safety,” said Neil Sandhoff, Evolv’s Vice President of Education. “In that way Clovis is an ideal partner for Evolv. We hear from schools we work with that Evolv allows for peace of mind and a sense of security for a school community, allowing for students to have the best atmosphere in which they can succeed.”  

Clovis Municipal Schools joins a number of other school districts across the country partnering with Evolv. Atlanta Public Schools, Nebraska’s Winnebago Public Schools, and Spartanburg School District Six in South Carolina, among others, have all reported experiencing a more efficient screening process with safer school environments since installing Evolv. 

 

About Evolv Technology 

Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV) is transforming human security to make a safer, faster, and better experience for the world’s most iconic venues and companies as well as schools, hospitals, and public spaces, using industry leading artificial intelligence (AI)-powered weapons detection and analytics. Its mission is to transform security to create a safer world to work, learn, and play. Evolv has digitally transformed the gateways in places where people gather by enabling seamless integration combined with powerful analytics and insights. Evolv’s advanced systems have scanned more than 425 million people, second only to the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States. Evolv has been awarded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SAFETY Act Designation as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology (QATT) as well as the Security Industry Association (SIA) New Products and Solutions (NPS) Award in the Law Enforcement/Public Safety/Guarding Systems category. Evolv Technology®, Evolv Express®, Evolv Insights®, and Evolv Cortex AI® are registered trademarks of Evolv Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions. For more information, visit https://evolvtechnology.com. 

 

Forward-looking Statements 

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking” statements and information, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events or our Company’s performance and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended on December 31, 2022, that was filed with the SEC on March 24, 2023, as may be updated in other filings we make with the SEC, and our ability to identify and implement digital advances in our technology.  These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.  

Media Contact: 
Alexandra Smith Ozerkis 
aozerkis@evolvtechnology.com 

 

Investor Contact: 
Brian Norris 
bnorris@evolvtechnology.com 

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

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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. 

 In our mission to make the world a safer place for people to gather, we believe it’s important to offer guidance when reading third party opinions on how to reduce the threat of gun violence in schools. We spoke with Kevin Eberle, EdD, retired school principal and Evolv advisor about how to evaluate a school security advisor and actionable ways that schools can reduce the threat of gun violence. 

 

Three Ways to Assess the Qualifications of a School Safety Expert 

When listening to a safety expert or reading their articles and reports, consider the following three criteria to fairly assess their qualifications. 

1. Qualify the source

Does the expert have a background in education, safety and security? While everybody has attended school, this doesn’t make everybody an expert in increasing school safety. Further, while many people have expertise in security, it’s a vast, fast-moving and growing area with many facets and technologies to learn and master. The veracity of an article or expert commentary should be based on the author’s or researcher’s experience in education, safety and security. 

I make this recommendation as a former police officer, teacher, and school principal with a doctorate in education. Additionally, I have been trained in emergency response and tactical maneuvers, 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.  

Based on my credentials, I can confidently say that when it comes to taking the advice of an “expert,” carefully consider how much knowledge and real world experience they have in school safety from a holistic point of view. Additionally, challenge the expert to provide specific examples of how they handled a lockdown, worked with local law enforcement, applied social/emotional learning to the development of students, de-escalated a fight in a classroom, and/or supported the parents and community after the unfortunate loss of students due to violence that happened outside of a school building. It’s one thing to talk about what you would or should do in an emergency and it’s quite another to share genuine examples of how crises were handled and averted.  

2. Assess the tone and merit of the advice.

Are the opinions and reports written as clickbait, with catchy headlines and obvious advice, or are they based on actual research. A lot of posts and listicles that focus on school safety highlight recent tragedies and provide elementary recommendations for improving safety.  

 For example, suggesting teachers strengthen relationships with students overly simplifies how to address the rise in gun violence in America. Also, advising educators, parents and communities work more closely together and practice safety drills is not an original idea. These actions have long been part of every school’s safety plan. When you read those articles, look for fresh advice that is actionable and realistic. 

 Lastly, be weary of “experts” who only seek to point out flaws to efforts schools are making to increase safety plans without offering viable, alternative solutions. Ask them: What is your suggested solution to this epidemic we are facing in schools?  

3. Question why the advice calls out a single technology solution instead of a holistic approach to safety, or uses the term “security theater“.

We all know that Americans, especially educators, are feeling increased anxiety about gun violence. Evolv’s recent survey on the topic found an increase in the number of Americans (36%) that believe they, or someone they love, are extremely likely to encounter an active shooter in their lifetime. When it comes to educators, that number jumps to 51%.  

Given the increased anxiety, you can understand why a term like “security theater” to describe weapons detection screening systems may upset parents and educators. The term may attract readers, but it’s counterproductive to school safety. Let’s unpack “security theater” and provide context for it with regard to weapons detection screening systems in schools. 

Security theater is a term that is bandied to argue that weapons detection screening systems offer a feeling of security, yet are ineffective in preventing weapons from entering areas where they should not be. Along with inciting fear, it’s also being used to provoke weapons screening technologies companies like Evolv to disclose trade secrets that, in the wrong hands, can put the public’s safety at risk. 

Having worked closely with Evolv and gaining a deep understanding of its patented technology, I can attest that the systems are not security theater. In fact, in 2022, Evolv detected and stopped over 176,000 weapons from entering places where people gather. The reality is no security system is 100%.  

 What’s also important to note is that every school has its own, distinct security needs and chooses the sensitivity setting that is right for their student body. Evolv works closely with key stakeholders to communicate all aspects of its systems, including limitations and capabilities, without publicly sharing a blueprint that a bad actor could use to do harm. Those responsible for keeping schools safe realize the importance of keeping this information confidential. It’s a common best practice in the security industry, notably the TSA, where sensitive information is carefully guarded to keep the public safe. 

 

Gun Violence in America: A Survey on Americans’ Anxiety

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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.

  • Of the Americans who own a gun and report carrying it with them, two-thirds say they are doing so more today than in 2021.
  • 36% of Americans believe they (or someone they love) are extremely/likely to encounter an active shooter in their lifetime. That is up from 29% in 2021.
  • A large majority of Americans – 88% – believe their chances of encountering an active shooter have increased in 2022.
  • Nearly 3 out of 10 Americans have thought about moving out of fear of gun violence against themselves or their family. This is up from 12% in 2021.

America’s gun violence is taking a significant toll on educators

For this year’s report, in addition to the general population, we collected insights from educators in an effort to understand how the nation’s gun violence is impacting them. The results are sobering and reveal the significant toll it is taking on our teachers.

  • 1 in 3 educators report that they have experienced a shooting at work/in a school setting, and 51% believe they are likely or extremely likely to encounter an active shooting at work in their lifetime.
  • Nearly 4 in 10 teachers report they are considering looking for another job because they don’t feel safe at work. Of those, 82% would like to change jobs within the next six months.
  • 26% have been threatened directly by at least one of their students.
  • 3 out of 10 educators say they have to take more mental health breaks in order to cope with their increased levels of anxiety.

Our director of education and former assistant superintendent of safety and school operations for Oxford Community Schools, Jill Lemond, said:

“These findings highlight a need for us, as a country, to do better for our educators. Unfortunately, we haven’t equipped schools to deal with the anxiety, fear, and trauma students are bringing into the classroom. As a result, those on the frontlines – most of whom haven’t been trained in mental health – are bearing the burden of this national crisis. We are asking too much of them, and this research reveals the toll that is taking.”

As a father whose daughter walks into a school building every day to teach second graders, these findings hit very close to home. We need to recognize that a nation without healthy, happy and supported teachers cannot be a place where new ideas thrive and innovation is cultivated.

While this year’s report does not offer a solution, it does help us understand the toll gun violence is taking on all Americans, not just those who have been directly affected by it. It is my hope that with this better understanding, we can begin to work together to find solutions that reduce the amount of violence, lower Americans’ anxiety and retain the freedoms and liberties we have come to love in this country.

Report: Gun Violence in America: The Impact on Educators

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Download Report Now

Last year, when we measured Americans’ anxiety around gun violence for our inaugural report, we found people were carrying a tremendous amount of anxiety around – even for everyday activities, like going to the movies. But following a year that broke the record for the most school shootings in more than four decades, we wanted to not only understand if/how Americans’ anxiety has changed, we wanted to paint a picture of what all of this gun violence is doing to our teachers.

Download this report to discover the impact gun violence in America has had on our teachers and learn how to identify new ways to create safer, more supportive environments for them.

Download Now

Report: Gun Violence in America: A Survey on Americans’ Anxiety

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Download Report Now

The findings in our second annual report “Gun Violence in America: A Survey on American’s Anxiety” paint a picture of a citizenry that is exhausted and frustrated, and willing to alter their behavior in order to create safer places where they go to learn, work, live and play. 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.

While this report does not offer a solution, download this report to help understand the toll gun violence is taking on all Americans, not just those who have been directly affected by it. With a better understanding, we can begin to work together to find solutions that reduce the amount of violence, lower Americans’ anxiety and retain the freedoms and liberties we have come to love in this country.

Download Now

New Research: 4 out of 10 Educators Are Considering Quitting. The Reason? Gun Violence.

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The survey, commissioned by Evolv Technology, quantifies and reveals the toll gun violence in our schools is taking on teachers  

 

Waltham, Mass. – (April 12, 2023) – Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV), the leader in AI-based weapons detection security screening, today announced the findings of a study – Guns Violence in America: The Impact on Educators – it commissioned with market research firm Equation Research. The inaugural report reveals that gun violence is taking a significant toll on educators, with 9 out of 10 believing their chances of encountering an active shooter at work has increased over the past 12 months.  

 

Key findings:  

  • 1 in 3 respondents report having experienced a shooting at work (in a school setting)  
  • 1 out of 4 have been threatened by a student  
  • Sixty-one percent (61%) report their anxiety has increased over the past 12 months  
  • 4 out of 10 have heard students make threats against the school 
  • Twenty-two percent (22%) report being scared of one/more of their students 
  • Fifty-eight percent (58%) report being extremely/moderately anxious about going to work 

 

“These findings highlight a need for us, as a country, to do better for our educators,” said Jill Lemond, director of education at Evolv Technology & former assistant superintendent of safety and school operations for Oxford Community Schools. “Unfortunately, we haven’t equipped schools to deal with the anxiety, fear, and trauma students are bringing into the classroom. As a result, those on the frontlines – most of whom haven’t been trained in mental health – are bearing the burden of this national crisis. We are asking too much of them, and this research reveals the toll that is taking.”  

 

What’s behind the increase in anxiety among educators  

Seven out of ten respondents report that their anxiety has changed over the past 12 months, with 88% saying it has increased. The reasons they cite for that rise include:  

 

  • The increase in gun violence around the country – 55%  
  • Recent school shootings (such as Uvalde, TX) – 53%  
  • A recent violent incident at school – 27%  
  • Threats from students – 27%  
  • Threats from students’ parents/families – 27%  

 

Educators report the following responses and reactions to their increased anxiety:  

 

  • They take more mental health breaks – 45%  
  • They report being “jumpier” in certain situations – 38%  
  • “I feel like my mind is never operating at 100%” – 30%  
  • “I am not able to provide the highest quality of education I am capable of” – 28%  
  • “I have less patience with students, parents and colleagues” – 24%  

 

For educators who report taking mental health breaks, 1 out of 3 report that they find a quiet place and cry.  

 

How schools are prioritizing safety 

Eighty-seven percent (87%) of educators report that their schools are actively taking steps to prevent gun violence. Some of those activities include:  

 

  • Lock entrances – 50%  
  • Security guards at entrances/exits – 50%  
  • Conduct active shooter training/drills – 43%  
  • Security guards patrol the building – 42%  
  • Installed weapons detection/screening – 39%  

 

Eighty-one percent (81%) wish more could be done to ensure a safer environment at work; 49% cite they would feel safer if weapons detection/screening was in place at their school.   

 

The threat landscape inside our schools  

According to educators, current students present the highest risk of violence in a school setting (30%), followed by community members – not current students/families (24%) and past students (17%).  

 

The report highlights how frequently America’s educators are facing threats. Over the past six months, they report:  

 

  • Someone has made a threat against my colleague – 27%  
  • Someone brought a knife – 25%  
  • Someone brought a gun – 22%  
  • Someone made a bomb threat – 19%  
  • Someone made a threat against me – 16%  

 

According to educators, students are not OK  

Forty-three percent (43%) report that students are more anxious over the past 12 months than before, and 34% say they are more socially awkward and unable to read social cues. Three out of 10 report students are jumpier and more on edge, while 17% say they are quicker to anger.  

 

Forty-one percent (41%) have heard a student(s) make threats against the school, and more than half have heard them make a threat against another student(s).   

 

Lemond continued: “Half of the educators surveyed report that they spend 2-5 hours each month on safety-focused activities, such as active shooter drills. While we can talk for days about a school’s response to an active shooter, we want to help schools and educators design security protocols that keep the guns out. We hope these insights demonstrate the need to not only prioritize safety and security at our schools, but mental health – for both students and teachers.”  

 

Click HERE for the full report.  

 

Survey Methodology 

Evolv Technology commissioned Equation Research to conduct the survey, which ran from December 7 to December 12 2022. The survey captured responses from 263 education professionals in the U.S. 

 

About Evolv Technology 

Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV) is transforming human security to make a safer, faster, and better experience for the world’s most iconic venues and companies as well as schools, hospitals, and public spaces, using industry leading artificial intelligence (AI)-powered weapons detection and analytics. Its mission is to transform security to create a safer world to work, learn, and play. Evolv has digitally transformed the gateways in places where people gather by enabling seamless integration combined with powerful analytics and insights. Evolv’s advanced systems have scanned more than 500 million people, second only to the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States. Evolv has been awarded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SAFETY Act Designation as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology (QATT) as well as the Security Industry Association (SIA) New Products and Solutions (NPS) Award in the Law Enforcement/Public Safety/Guarding Systems category. Evolv Technology®, Evolv Express®, Evolv Insights®, and Evolv Cortex AI® are registered trademarks of Evolv Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions. For more information, visit https://evolvtechnology.com. 

 

Forward-looking Statements 

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking” statements and information, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events or our Company’s performance and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended on December 31, 2022, that was filed with the SEC on March 24, 2023, as may be updated in other filings we make with the SEC. These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.   

 

Media Contact: 
Alexandra Smith Ozerkis 
aozerkis@evolvtechnology.com 

 

Investor Contact: 
Brian Norris 
bnorris@evolvtechnology.com  

  

New Research: 88% of Americans Are Anxious About Gun Violence; Nearly Half of Gun Owners Report Carrying Their Weapons More as a Result

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The survey, commissioned by Evolv Technology, quantifies Americans’ perceptions of gun violence and its impact on behavior  

 

Waltham, Mass. – (April 12, 2023) – Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV), the leader in AI-based weapons detection security screening, today announced the findings of a study – Gun Violence in America: A Survey on Americans’ Anxiety – it commissioned with market research firm Equation Research that reveals the toll gun violence is taking on Americans. The second-annual report highlights a dramatic increase in anxiety – and changes in behavior as a result – over the past 12 months.  

Key findings:  

  • 85% believe gun violence is a problem in America (vs. 78% in 2021)  
  • More than one-third believe it is likely they will encounter an active shooter in their lifetime (vs. 28% in 2021)  
  • Nearly 3 in 10 Americans have thought about moving [from their current home/location] out of fear of gun violence (vs. 12% in 2021)  
  • 22% believe they are more at risk of encountering an active shooter based on their religious affiliation (vs. 15.3% in 2021) 
  • Nearly half (47%) of gun owners say they are carrying their guns with them more today due to the increase in gun violence  
  • 1 in 5 non-gun-owning Americans say they plan to buy a gun; more than half indicating it’s as a result of America’s increase in gun violence  

“We believe this research demonstrates that, as Americans, we are all suffering collectively,” said Peter George, CEO, Evolv Technology. “Rather than becoming numb to the rise in gun violence, people are reporting that their anxiety levels are on the rise – and impacting other areas of their lives. It is making them reconsider the way they live their lives. The study shows increases in the number of people who have thought about moving and those who report higher levels of anxiety when they go to the movies and into a grocery store. It’s imperative that we learn from these findings and identify ways to address these rising levels of fear so we can all live, work, learn and play safely – without paralyzing levels of anxiety.”  

Watch Evolv’s Gun Violence Anxiety Report Key Findings Video

Watch Video

Anxiety is high among parents  

Following school shootings in Uvalde, Texas (May 2022) and Oxford, Michigan (November 2021), the research reveals that anxiety among people with children is high.  

  • Half of the households with children have considered homeschooling their children out of fear of gun violence  
  • 1 out of 2 have purchased, or are considering purchasing, “gun safety” materials, such as bulletproof backpacks 
  • Of those, 1 out of 4 did so because their children asked for them  
  • 3 out of 4 parents indicate that their child(ren) has some anxiety about school shootings  
  • 54% report their child(ren)’s anxiety has increased since 2020 

The findings highlight that Americans are concerned about the risk of shootings in everyday locations, but for many, some places provoke higher levels of anxiety than others.  

  • Thirty-seven percent (37%) of Americans list “large gatherings” as the top answer when asked where they have increased anxiety as a result of gun violence and/or terrorist activity (vs. 31% in 2021)  
  • Americans report increased levels of extreme/moderate anxiety at the following everyday places:  
  • Bar/night club: 71% (vs. 68% in 2021) 
  • Work: 60% (vs. 53% in 2021)  
  • Places of worship: 60% (vs. 58% in 2021)  
  • Movie theater: 64% (vs. 61% in 2021)  

The pervasive feeling of anxiety and worry carries over into what Americans are willing to do in order to reduce the threat of a mass shooting. When asked whether they would be willing to go through extra steps [to reduce those threats] at everyday locations, such as the grocery store, workplace or movie theater, they answered:  

  • Go through weapons detection screening: 67% (vs. 57% in 2021)  
  • Have bags checked: 59% (vs. 46%)  
  • Check guns at the door: 48% (vs. 44%)  
  • Be patted down by a security professional: 46% (vs. 37%)  
  • Only 12% would not be willing to go through these extra steps (vs. 22% in 2021) 
  • 3 out of 4 report feeling safer at places that screen for and do not allow weapons inside  

Click HERE for the full report.  

Survey Methodology 

Evolv Technology commissioned Equation Research to conduct the survey, which ran from December 7 to December 20 2022. The survey captured responses from a broad distribution of 2,015 adults in the U.S. aged 18 and older. 

About Evolv Technology 

Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV) is transforming human security to make a safer, faster, and better experience for the world’s most iconic venues and companies as well as schools, hospitals, and public spaces, using industry leading artificial intelligence (AI)-powered weapons detection and analytics. Its mission is to transform security to create a safer world to work, learn, and play. Evolv has digitally transformed the gateways in places where people gather by enabling seamless integration combined with powerful analytics and insights. Evolv’s advanced systems have scanned more than 425 million people, second only to the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States. Evolv has been awarded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SAFETY Act Designation as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology (QATT) as well as the Security Industry Association (SIA) New Products and Solutions (NPS) Award in the Law Enforcement/Public Safety/Guarding Systems category. Evolv Technology®, Evolv Express®, Evolv Insights®, and Evolv Cortex AI® are registered trademarks of Evolv Technologies, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions. For more information, visit https://evolvtechnology.com. 

Forward-looking Statements 

Forward-looking Statements 

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking” statements and information, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events or our Company’s performance and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended on December 31, 2022, that was filed with the SEC on March 24, 2023, as may be updated in other filings we make with the SEC. These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.   

 

Media Contact: 
Alexandra Smith Ozerkis 
aozerkis@evolvtechnology.com 

 

Investor Contact: 
Brian Norris 
bnorris@evolvtechnology.com  

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

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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.  

According to K-12 Dive, the 2022 calendar year broke the record for the most school shootings in over four decades and marked one of the most violent years for youth ages 12-17. As of December 20, there were 300 shooting incidents on school grounds. In 2023, there have already been 18 school shootings with injuries or deaths. For school officials, those numbers reinforce a need to prioritize safety planning, highlighting the reality that school-based violence can happen anywhere, in any school community. Nothing is 100%.  

Before any safety plan can be designed or implemented, it is critical that everyone understands, agrees and communicates that, when it comes to physical security, nothing is 100% effective. Physical security requires a layered approach: people, process and technology. If there is a breakdown in one of those layers, the risks of threats can increase. Therefore, it’s important to ensure the community understands that any action you take towards safety is done to mitigate threats, not eliminate them.   

Assess first, plan second  

Just like when planning in other areas of life, it’s important to assess your buildings first before planning or making any decisions. For example, if your school/campus uses numerous entrances/exits for students, teachers, administrators and visitors, purchasing and installing a weapons screening system for one door might not reduce vulnerabilities. Before any technology is purchased or personnel is deployed, you need to take stock of your current security posture including the district structures, practices, and policies 

There are numerous resources, such as school security consultants, to whom you can outsource the assessment (and planning) process. But there are also free tools that can help you get started. For example, the National Institute of Justice has created a School Safety Assessment with an extensive checklist that includes external considerations, interior safety, access and visitor control information, school safety equipment, and school safety planning information.  

Here are some specific considerations when conducting that assessment (per the National Institute of Justice):  

  • Are video cameras available to monitor activities outside the school building? 
  • Are signs clearly posted instructing visitors to sign in at the office? 
  • Are the entry doors locked from the outside when not in use? 
  • Does a designated person perform security checks at the end of the school day and/or after evening activities? 
  • Does a designated person perform a check to ensure all exterior entrances and windows are locked, all night lights have been turned on and the alarm system is functioning? 
  • Are multiple entrances to the school building controlled and supervised from the inside for property security? 

Taking the time to complete a comprehensive safety assessment is the critical first step to any school safety plan. With this information in hand, you can begin to make informed decisions about the resources and tools needed to address the safety and security of your students, teachers and staff within your unique environment.  

In our next post, we will look at the key role resources and partners play in school safety planning.