At Northwell, a new weapons detection system

Northwell Health has installed a detection system to screen for weapons and contraband.

The system has been installed at the entrances of Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore and Lenox Health Greenwich Village in Manhattan, with a goal of bringing the technology to all hospitals in the health system.

Evolv Express, the detection system from Massachusetts-based Evolv Technology, features a walk-through experience that screens for weapons. The real-time screening process is monitored at each location by Northwell’s security team and is designed to avoid bottlenecking and slow lines.

“The safety, security and well-being of our patients, visitors and team members are our top priorities,” Michael Dowling, Northwell’s president and CEO, said in a statement.

“To help ensure a safe environment for all who enter our facilities – and as part of Northwell’s broader safety and security efforts – we’re trying this next generation of screening devices,” he added.

The system is part of a larger Northwell initiative to maintain the safety of employees, patients and visitors.

Scott Strauss, vice president of security and support systems, said the initiative includes more resources and trainings for team members to enhance workplace safety. That effort include active-shooter drills, seminars on conflict de-escalation techniques and courses on how to respond to bleeding emergencies so that team members are better prepared in case of a crisis.

“Northwell is known for its world-class health care and it’s our mission to keep patients safe with world-class security measures,” Strauss said in a statement.

“The installation of this new detection system is just the latest addition to a wide range of security protocols the health system has in place to protect those in our hospitals, minimize the risk of violence and maintain a safe working environment for our team members,” Strauss added. “This technology adds just another layer of safety – and improves confidence for everyone who enters these healing spaces.”