Anil Chitkara

Grappling with risks prompted by COVID-19 and escalating violence, Americans prefer modern, touchless security screening systems over legacy metal detectors. They expect their schools, workplaces and ticketed venues to ensure social distancing and would abandon their plans rather than enter a facility with crowded security lines. These and other insights were released by Evolv Technology based on a new survey conducted by The Harris Poll. The survey was conducted online with more than 1,500 American adults who have a personal stake in the security screening experience: consumers who attended ticketed events in 2019 (n=506), parents of school-aged children (n=712), and workers at large factories, warehouses and distribution centers (n=504). Physical security measures Americans rate COVID-19 and the overall pandemic response as a top issue facing the country (83% say they are very or somewhat concerned). This did not, however, diminish their concerns about social violence, responding that they are very or somewhat concerned about mass shootings (83%), street crime (81%) and protest-related civil unrest (81%). All three groups believe that the risk of public violence is getting worse (70%) and nearly 3 in 10 (28%) express that they felt unsafe going out in public. Nearly 7 in 10 (69%) Americans value the general sense of safety that physical security measures provide Nearly 7 in 10 (69%) Americans value the general sense of safety that physical security measures provide, and over half (54%) believe there is deterrent value in those measures. Significant majorities also agree, though, that traditional metal detector screening measures introduce unacceptable risks in the pandemic environment. Metal detector screening Nearly 8 in 10 (79%) feel that metal detectors create long lines, and two-thirds (67%) feel that metal detectors create crowds that violate social distancing guidelines. A majority also believe that metal detectors require belongings to be touched by a security guard (70%), require pat down searches (52%), generate too many false positives (58%) and force families to separate during screening (57%). When asked to consider how specific safety and security measures affected their likelihood of returning to venues and facilities, nearly 9 in 10 (87%) of Americans said were likely to return if touchless security screening was in place. A majority of Americans surveyed say they would prefer touchless security screening (52%) over metal detector screening (48%) if given a choice between the two at identical events. Touchless security screening COVID-19 marks the end of the era for traditional metal detector security screening" Touchless security screening that allows visitors to walk through with bags and pocket contents intact was preferred over metal detector screening that requires separate bag checks and emptying pockets before screening. “For most venues and facilities, COVID-19 marks the end of the era for traditional metal detector security screening,” said Evolv Technology CEO Peter George. “The pandemic has pushed frustration with crowding and hands-on bag checks beyond the boiling point. However, there is a way forward. Visitors are saying they’ll come back to venues if they see security screening that preserves social distancing. Our customers are successfully reopening with touchless security screening and everyone is loving the new experience.” Enabling social distancing Using AI software and powerful sensors, Evolv Express™ can screen up to 3,600 people per hour Evolv Technology Co-founder Anil Chitkara and Erica Parker, managing director at The Harris Poll, will review the research results and discuss the implications for workplaces, schools, ticketed venues and other facilities on the November 12 episode of Evolv’s Digital Threshold Live webcast series. Evolv is the digital transformation of physical security, one that is touchless and addresses the ‘new normal’ threat of pandemic viruses as well as concealed weapons. Using AI software and powerful sensors, Evolv Express™ can screen up to 3,600 people per hour – 10 times faster than legacy approaches such as metal detectors, hand wands and manual inspections. The system enables social distancing at entrances and other security checkpoints while minimizing person-to-person interaction—requiring no stopping, no emptying of pockets or removing bags. Touchless security screening systems People being screened simply walk through naturally, alleviating potential crowding and long lines while greatly reducing contact between guests, employees and security staff. Deployed worldwide, Evolv’s touchless security screening systems have been used to screen more than 50 million individuals in an expedient, respectful manner. Organizations optimize the performance of their security teams while reducing screening expenses by as much as 70% Customers include Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, L.L. Bean, Wynn Las Vegas, Oakland International Airport, two South Carolina school districts, Hersheypark, Set Jet, the Biltmore Estate, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and hundreds of others. By using Evolv Express, organizations optimize the performance of their security teams while reducing screening expenses by as much as 70%. School-Aged children This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Evolv Technology from September 18 – October 3 among 1,502 U.S. adults ages 18 and older who are parents of school-aged children (n=712); work in large (at least 100 on-site employees) factories, warehouses, or distribution centers (n=504); or who attended an event at a ticketed venue in 2019 (n=506). This population represents approximately 60% of the US general population. Results are weighted to be representative of population under study based on US census population targets on education, age-gender, race/ethnicity, region, and income.

As the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences One Dalton Street rises to claim its place on the Boston skyline, details inside the building are also taking form. One Dalton developer, Richard L. Friedman, President and CEO, Carpenter & Company, set out to find the most innovative companies in the security industry, tasking them with developing a plan for Boston’s tallest residential building. Seamless And Safe Security The result of Friedman’s search is three key partnerships: former Head of the U.S. Secret Service Mark Sullivan, now principal and co-founder of Global Security & Innovative Strategies (GSIS); Evolv Technology; and video management software company Milestone Systems. “We plan to offer luxury in all forms at One Dalton, everything from 24-hour room service and a stellar spa to a seamless and safe security plan. As always, we are looking ahead for the ideas and technology that will continue to set our building apart and make living at One Dalton a premier experience on every level. Partnering with GSIS, Evolv Technology and Milestone Systems is really next-level thinking for us,” Friedman said. Superior Surveillance Friedman met Mark Sullivan during President Bill Clinton’s visits to his house on Martha’s Vineyard. After Sullivan concluded his federal service, he co-founded GSIS, a company that leverages its extensive private and public sector, homeland and public security, and international expertise to provide comprehensive solutions for its clients. Sullivan has been tasked to oversee the security plan for One Dalton which includes security assessments, design, implementation and advisory services. On Sullivan’s recommendation, One Dalton is incorporating cutting-edge technology from Evolv Technology and Milestone Systems to provide a superior surveillance system. Evolv uses advanced sensing and deep learning to ensure a threat-free environment while balancing the everyday pace of life Evolv Technology Evolv Technology is a technology startup founded by Boston-based security and technology veterans Mike Ellenbogen and Anil Chitkara. Focused on rethinking physical security, Evolv uses advanced sensing and deep learning to ensure a threat-free environment while balancing the everyday pace of life. Evolv’s flexible, risk-based screening approach fulfills the needs of state-of-the-art facilities like One Dalton. The company’s experienced leaders, alongside an advisory board of security veterans from the Department of Homeland Security, CIA, TSA and the U.S. Secret Service have created products designed to address today’s emerging threats. One Dalton will be the first residential building to utilize Evolv’s revolutionary technology. Embracing Change It was a natural fit to have Milestone Systems, provider of open platform IP video management software (VMS), as part of this exceptional team. The company’s solutions increase overall safety and optimal operations through comprehensive management and distribution of digital video data. High performance network video recorders and the video monitoring software platform can be tailored to meet the demands of any complex security installation. Its open architecture enables ongoing integrations with new technology innovations as they come to market. “One Dalton is one of a few elite buildings worldwide to embrace change and incorporate technology that will provide the best life for its hotel guests and residents. Public venues have been working to improve security for some time; this is a remarkable and intelligent investment for a residential development,” Sullivan said. Event Security And Employee Screening The final plan has yet to be determined, but One Dalton will begin by improving upon the common back-of-house security operations that are typically used in hotels and residential buildings. Surveillance of common areas and public spaces using Milestone Systems integrated with event security through Evolv Technology and employee screening are among the solutions being considered. “For us, this is part of a long view on security for One Dalton. As technology improves and we learn more about exactly what our residents and hotel guests want and need, we will introduce new elements that ensure all who spend time at One Dalton feel relaxed, safe and cared for,” Friedman added.