Mansfield ISD's AI gun detection system stops student from bringing firearm to school
AI system alerts school of student with gun
A weapons detection system prevented a student from bringing a firearm onto the Legacy High School campus in Mansfield on Friday morning.
MANSFIELD, Texas - A weapons detection system run by artificial intelligence prevented a student from bringing a gun into Mansfield Legacy High School.
Mansfield ISD administrators found the firearm Friday morning, and that student was arrested.
Right now, there's no indication of what the student's intentions were, and no specific threat was made.
What we know:
Evolv, an AI weapons detection system alerted staff at Mansfield Legacy High of a handgun inside a student’s bookbag Friday morning.
"Students pass through it in the morning," explained Britney Fortner, the district’s director of safety and security. "Our visitors also pass through, and it just searches for weapons that could be brought into our campuses."
Fortner described what happened next.
"That was identified by an assistant principal that was doing that further screening, which is part of our standard process on campus."
A police officer was in the lobby when the weapon was found, and the student was arrested.
Mansfield ISD said no specific threat was made against any other student or staff member.
What we don't know:
We don’t know the age of the student or if they have a record of prior disciplinary actions.
It’s also not clear why the student brought the weapon to school.
Evolv Weapons Detection System
Mansfield ISD adds AI gun detection devices
It's more than a metal detection system. The new procedure for all Mansfield ISD high school students goes a step further, toward a secure campus.
Big picture view:
The high-tech system uses a weapons detection sensor combined with artificial intelligence that monitors both the front door and alternative entrances. It’s the same technology used in some entertainment venues.
Mansfield ISD installed the Evolv system in 2023 at all of its high schools in response to the 2021 shooting at Timberview High School that injured two students and a teacher.
The shooter is serving 12 years for attempted capital murder.
Mansfield ISD pays about $40,000 a year for Evolv, but school officials said the expense is more than worth it – especially given Friday’s situation.
"We are very thankful for Mansfield ISD putting safety and security as one of our main priorities in the district."
The Source: The information in this story comes from a message the Mansfield Independent School District sent to parents and past news coverage.