Evolv Security Advisory Board Believes Disclosure of Sensitive Information Compromises Public Safety

It has come to our understanding that IPVM, a publication which has historically covered video cameras, continues to promote details of Evolv Express® weapons detection systems. It is our belief that IPVM’s reporting in this matter is irresponsible, and ultimately, could compromise sensitive operating procedures resulting in increased risk to those entering venues we are committed to protecting. 

The need to provide transparency in physical security without helping potential attackers and bad actors exploit sensitive information is a fundamental paradox of the security industry. It is an especially careful balance when introducing new security technology, such as AI-based weapons detection, to the mainstream.   

As security professionals who have spent our decades-long careers serving the U.S. in national security, law enforcement and military organizations, we understand and respect transparency and dissemination of sensitive information with those essential to know as a tenant to keeping the public safe.  

When it comes to the sensitive operational details of physical security systems, including their capabilities and performance characteristics, essential personnel are those who require access to conduct their official duties. This typically relates to those performing security or intelligence roles. Protecting methods and means is a fundamental best practice of any security or intelligence organization.  

Evolv is very transparent with their customers and vendors who have a need to know, however, to widely disseminate this sensitive information will undoubtedly have the unintended consequence of providing information to those intent upon exploiting any and all security systems. 

The safety of the general public is our primary duty as advisors and national security leaders.   

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-Dan Coats, former Director of National Intelligence; Senator and Ambassador 

-David Cohen, former Deputy Director of Operations, Central Intelligence Agency; Deputy Commissioner, New York Police Department 

-Juliette Kayyem, former Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security 

-Jin Kim, former Active Shooter Coordinator on the Crisis Management Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation 

-John Pistole, former Administrator, Transportation Security Administration; former Deputy Director for Counter Terrorism, Federal Bureau of Investigation; former Deputy Director for the FBI 

-Mark Sullivan, former Director, United States Secret Service 

-General Tony Thomas, 11th Commander, United States Special Operations Command, United States Military