Join

Correction: Knife found at Potomac Senior High School not passed through Evolv scanner

Potomac Senior High School in Woodbridge

A knife found at Potomac Senior High School on January 3, 2024, was not passed through a metal detector.

We incorrectly reported it had been in an earlier version of this story.

Police reported a knife was found inside the school building on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. School spokeswoman Megan Silas said a security guard found a knife on the student, whom police described as a 15-year-old boy.

A school resource officer with the county police department determined the student didn’t mean to hurt anyone with the knife and charged the boy with possessing a weapon on school grounds, police said.

“Because we are less than six months into the deployment of this recent technology, we are continuously monitoring our processes and adjusting toward improvement. This situation remains under review,” said Silas.

Prince William County has invested nearly $11 million in new metal detectors at middle and high schools since the fall of 2023.

Insidenova.com published a detailed look at how the metal detectors work on January 8, 2024. Popular at concerts and large sporting venues, the Evolv scanners are supposed to detect weapons of all kinds while allowing large numbers of people to pass through the scanners simultaneously.

Prince William County and Manassas City public schools contracted with Evolv last year to install the scanners. In addition to the nearly $11 million to install the devices, it’s costing Prince William County an additional $725,000 a year to operate the scanners, reports Insidenova.com.

Prince William County is Virginia’s second-largest school division, with more than 92,000 students. Before inking the deal with Evolve, county school board members traveled to Charlotte, N.C., to view the scanners in action in public schools.

Potomac Senior High School is at 3401 Panther Pride Drive in Woodbridge.

Author

  • I'm the Founder and Publisher of Potomac Local News. Raised in Woodbridge, I'm now raising my family in Northern Virginia and care deeply about our community. If you're not getting our FREE email newsletter, you are missing out. Subscribe Now!

    View all posts

Recent Stories

(The Center Square) — The average American’s energy bill could increase from 25% to 70% in the next 10 years without intervention from policymakers, according to a new study from Washington, D.C.-based think tank the Jack Kemp Foundation.

Fredericksburg officials used map boards and statistics to present potential plans for another bridge across the Rappahannock River at a public meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, the Rotary Club of Manassas significantly contributed to the local community by donating $24,000 to Willing Warriors, a nonprofit organization that supports wounded service members and their families.

[Amanda Moore via Pexels]The Prince William County Police Department is reminding pedestrians, drivers and bicyclists alike to remain “Street Smart” as daylight fades. More from Prince William Police: The “Street…

Travel to French soil and celebrate with us for an unforgettable evening of delicious food, wine and music.

What better way to celebrate the end of the 2024 wine harvest in style than at the Embassy of France at DC’s only official celebration?

This is the Wine Event Of The Year!

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by current events, family responsibilities, or the demands of work? If stress, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion are weighing you down, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face it alone. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that life’s challenges can sometimes feel insurmountable, and we’re here to help.

We offer in person and virtual appointments. Our in person office is located in Kingstowne Virginia.

Our team offers compassionate support and practical tools tailored to help you navigate life’s complexities with greater ease and confidence. Whether you’re struggling with personal issues, managing family stress, or dealing with professional pressures, we are committed to helping you find peace and clarity.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Sing a Song of Christmas!!!

Join the New Dominion Choraliers for an impressive and exciting concert celebrating the Brightest and Best of the season. Along with the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra, the chorus opens the program opens with Vivaldi’s Gloria, a joyful hymn of praise

×

Subscribe to our mailing list