ROSSFORD, Ohio — Rossford's football game Friday night saw a unique new security system debut, one that uses artificial intelligence.
The new device, called Evolv, will help keep the high school's stadium safe, according to the school district.
"I think it's great," Leah St. Mary, a parent of two Rossford students, said of the system.
St. Mary is also a volunteer and collects tickets or money from attendees.
"Why would you not want an extra layer of security? After what just happened in Georgia," she said, referencing a shooting on Sept. 4 at a high school that left four dead and nine others injured. "Why would you not want this to happen?"
Rossford High School Principal Nick Neiderhouse said the best part of the new system is that attendees don't have to empty their pockets to walk through.
"You can actually walk through it with your keys and your phone, unlike a regular metal detector," he said.
People go through the Evolv system and its A.I. will tell security if they need to take a closer look at the individual.
"It does detect the different size of objects and also the density of objects, too," Neiderhouse said. "It does allow some things through, but it really is looking for those weapons that have no place on our campus."
St. Mary said she appreciates the convenience and thinks it's a worthy step to keep everyone safe.
"I had my cell phone, I had my cup, I had my purse and had zero issues," she said. "As long as you're not bringing in anything you're not supposed to, it'll be a breeze."
The technology has also been in the school buildings for a couple of weeks. Neiderhouse said it's a small measure to keep students safe while learning or when cheering the Bulldogs on.
"We want students to feel safe every day that they come to school. We want our spectators to be safe as they enter our grounds as well," he said.
Neiderhouse said the Evolv system was funded through federal grant dollars, so there are no costs to taxpayers.
He added that Evolv will have a four-year trial run in the district. And if it goes well, it could be a permanent addition.