SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. — As South Carolina students prepare to return to classrooms, one Upstate school district is stepping up security in a high-tech way. Spartanburg School District 2 has announced the installation of AI-powered metal detectors across five schools, aiming to create a safer environment for students, teachers, and families.
The district will deploy 13 Evolv machines, each estimated to cost $21,000 annually, including startup and maintenance fees. These detectors look similar to traditional walk-through systems but function very differently.
How the AI Metal Detectors Work
Unlike standard metal detectors, the Evolv technology uses low-frequency electromagnetic fields and AI-powered cameras to differentiate between common personal items and potential weapons. If a threat is suspected, the system immediately sends a photo and flagged location to school security via a connected tablet.
District officials say this innovation is not a replacement but an enhancement to current security protocols and school resource officer (SRO) programs already in place.
Parental Reactions: Support with Caution
The decision has triggered active conversations among parents, many of whom feel both relieved and cautious…