AI-powered weapon detectors to arrive in London hospitals in coming weeks
Alessio Donnini | CBC News | Posted: February 6, 2025 7:20 PM | Last Updated: 10 hours ago
A shooting outside the Victoria Hospital ER promoted the purchase of the machines
AI-powered weapons detectors will be installed at all London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) emergency departments in the coming weeks, officials said.
Staff learned Thursday in an internal email that the security measures would be coming within 4 to 5 weeks to Victoria, Children's, and University hospitals.
"Called the EVOLV Weapons Detection System, implementation of this technology is a significant step forward in enhancing safety and security for our patients, staff, and visitors," LHSC's Supervisor David Musyj wrote.
The initial announcement that detectors would be installed came in response to a shooting outside the entrance to the Victoria Hospital emergency department on Dec. 14, 2024.
At the time, police said a truck pulled into the Victoria Hospital ER bay, smashing into a cement pillar before a second vehicle arrived and shots rang out.
In January, police arrested an 18-year-old man from Brampton and charged him with a variety of offences, including attempting to commit murder using a firearm. The suspect was in custody in York region when he was identified, charged in an armed home invasion and bank robbery.
Following the shooting, Musyj said LHSC would install EVOLV's detectors, which he had placed in the Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) when he was CEO.
"WRH has had this technology in place for approximately 18 months and has seen great success with it," Musyj wrote in Thursday's internal email.
"The EVOLV system is a non-intrusive, AI-powered weapons detection system that allows individuals to walk through without removing personal items. If a potential threat is detected, security personnel will receive an alert pinpointing the location of the item on the person or in their bag," Musyj wrote.
A spokesperson at LHSC was not able to say when the machines will be operation, but Musyj's email said staff will receive training when the machines arrive in the coming weeks and before they go live. An interview request was denied Thursday.
Musyj told staff that renovations are needed at Victoria Hospital and minor modifications are needed at University Hospital. Once a contractor is selected, staff would learn the timeline.
"Given the logistical considerations, University Hospital may "go live" first with Victoria Hospital following shortly thereafter," he wrote.