POWELL, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium are investing $1.4 million in a new security system that zoo officials said will provide another layer of safety to their guests and staff.
"Every once in a while, we'll find somebody who forgets they had a weapon in their bag or purse,” said Steven Langton, director of safety and security for the zoo.
Langton said they’re installing the EVOLV security system at its front entrance.
"The main thing the system picks up is weapons, so guns,” Langton said.
He said this system is just like what’s already installed at its water park, Zoombezi Bay.
"It separates itself from a traditional detector and uses AI and kind of advanced technology to screen guests as they come through,” Langton said.
Langton added this system is not as involved as a detector you might find at airport security.
CEO and President of Safeguard Risk Solutions Gary Sigrist said EVOLV systems are efficient in handling larger volumes of people in short amounts of time.
"This is just one layer of security that they're putting in that doesn't necessarily distract from why people are going to the zoo,” Sigrist said.
Langton said it can screen about 6,000 to 7,000 people an hour. Although efficient, Sigrist said it can’t detect every weapon a person may have on them.
"It'll pick up a gun but it won't pick up a knife, and so if you're more concerned about guns than knives, that's a good system,” Sigrist said.
But he said even the most advanced security systems aren’t always effective.
"There's just no one thing that we can do that's gonna be 100% effective,” Sigrist said.
This is why he said multiple layers of protection, like the zoo’s on-site security, along with the security screening system, is a more well-rounded approach to keeping people safe.
"We're trying to be proactive, ensuring the safety of our guests and staff and make sure no threats come inside the zoo,” Langton said.