Providence St. Mary installs weapons detection system

Providence St. Mary Medical Center has installed a new Evolv Express weapons detection system to help enforce the hospital's no-weapons policy.

The system was funded by a $150,000 grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency Nonprofit Security Grant Program. It was installed at the Emergency Department, 401 W. Poplar St. in Walla Walla, which is the only department that stays open 24 hours a day.

"It might be surprising to the general public to know that people sometimes try to bring weapons into a hospital," spokesperson Kathleen Obenland said. "In the rush of a medical emergency, some people may forget they have a weapon with them, or they may just not want to leave it behind when seeking treatment."

The Evolv system will be staffed by security officers 24 hours a day, according to hospital news release. If something is detected, an officer will use a hand wand to figure out what the item is.

"Our goal with Evolv is to protect our caregivers, patients and visitors while preserving a welcoming, healing environment," Security Department Manager Mike Smith said. "We want everyone in the hospital to feel safe and cared for. This new technology and the many other safety aspects we have in place will help us further achieve that."

The system uses artificial intelligence to differentiate between items such as keys and phones and items that could be weapons. People entering the Emergency Department will still be able to walk inside at a normal pace as usual.

"Unlike screenings at airports, there is no need to wait in line, empty pockets, take off jackets or open bags - so it does not create delays in care for people entering the Emergency Department," the news release said.

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