SafePointe™
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SafePointe?
SafePointe is an AI-based concealed weapons detection system. In this context, we define weapons as either a metallic firearm or a metallic knife with a blade length of 4” or greater.
Designed for high-throughput facilities, each lane of the SafePointe weapons detection system consists of two unobtrusive metal bollards positioned 8-10 apart, complemented by a 3D camera system and NVIDIA-powered edge processor.
The nondescript bollards seamlessly integrate into the environment, providing a public safety layer without sacrificing ambiance or visitor comfort, while the advanced AI working behind the scenes can identify individuals carrying weapons and promptly alert the trained analysts at SafePointe’s Incident Review Center. The analysts review the image and video for weapon indicators and assign an appropriate threat level to the internal security team, facilitating a swift and appropriate response.
How does SafePointe work?
SafePointe’s patented system integrates hardware and software, including a NVIDIA®-powered edge processor and an advanced 3D camera, to quickly detect weapons. Here’s how it works:
As entrants move past the bollards, magnetic moment technology identifies a digital signature of any magnetically conductive objects. A NVIDIA®-powered edge processor running a state-of-the-art AI model analyzes whether subjects have weapons, leveraging magnetic moment data along with the live-motion data captured by the advanced 3D camera to determine direction, speed, and movement. If a weapon is detected, the alert is passed along to human analysts who review and confirm the information within ten seconds, filtering out non-threats such as armed security. Once identified as a verified threat, a threat level is assigned by the analyst and a digital alert is sent to the facility security staff via the SafePointe app or text, including an image identifying the individual and likely weapon location, along with a short video. This information enables internal security to respond accordingly using the facility protocols.
Does the system use facial recognition?
No, SafePointe does not use facial recognition technology. Instead, the system relies on motion data and magnetic signature analysis to detect potential threats, ensuring effective security while maintaining personal privacy.
How does SafePointe handle threat verification?
When a weapon is detected, the information is passed to human analysts who review and confirm within 10 seconds, filtering out non-threats such as armed security. Once identified as a verified threat, a threat level is assigned by the analyst and a digital alert is sent to facility security staff via the SafePointe app or text, including an image identifying the individual and likely weapon location, along with a short video.
What is the system's throughput capacity?
SafePointe is designed for continuous, high-throughput screening, allowing foot traffic to seamlessly pass through entrances with minimal disruption. The system also supports unmanned screening at entrances, enabling free-flowing access to facilities and venues, while reducing operational costs with its ability to simultaneously scan multiple individuals as they move through the detection zone.
What data does SafePointe collect and how is it managed?
SafePointe collects motion and magnetic data, processed locally on the edge processor, without storing personally identifiable information. The system is HIPAA compliant, and the company is pursuing SOC2 certification, which it is expected to complete by early 2025.
What types of facilities can use SafePointe and where has it been deployed?
The SafePointe system is highly versatile and can be installed both indoors and outdoors. The outdoor hardware can withstand harsh weather conditions. The sensors are designed to blend seamlessly into the environment, disguised as common entrance features such as bollards, planters, or trash cans. Facilities can implement multiple lanes to cover all entrances, with each lane requiring 8-10 feet of space between bollards, and can daisy chain bollards to accommodate wide entrances. Existing SafePointe customers include hospitals, casinos, corporate locations, museums, and warehouses across the country.
How does SafePointe compare to traditional metal detectors?
SafePointe differs from traditional metal detectors in many ways:
- In contrast to a traditional metal detector, SafePointe’s weapons detection system offers greater technical sophistication with its advanced 3D imaging and magnetic analysis to detect potential threats with greater precision.
- Unlike most traditional metal detectors, which are highly visible, SafePointe’s discreet bollards provide a reliable public safety layer without sacrificing visitor experience.
- Traditional metal detectors often result in long queues, frustrated visitors, and inefficient security operations. The SafePointe system, by contrast, offers high throughput and efficiently screens large volumes of people simultaneously.
- A typical metal detector can require up to two to five individuals to operate, which is a large operational expense. In contrast, SafePointe’s unmanned screening process stands out for its low total cost of ownership, supporting uninterrupted coverage and enabling internal security departments to appropriately respond to detected threats as they arise without needing to employ additional personnel to monitor the system continuously.
- Many metal detectors and weapons detection systems use active magnetic field-generating sensors, which can pose risks to individuals with pacemakers or other medical devices. SafePointe’s Magnetic Moment sensors, however, are passive, providing a safe and reliable solution for screening individuals wearing medical devices.
- Traditional metal detectors often feature narrow, restrictive pathways, making access challenging for individuals using wheelchairs or gurneys. In contrast, SafePointe bollards provide a wide clearance of 8-10 feet, ensuring smooth and accessible passage. Equipped with advanced Magnetic Moment sensors, SafePointe can accurately detect weapons on wheelchairs or gurneys—an increasingly critical capability given the rising concern of weapons being transported through ambulance bays nationwide.
Can you give an example of how SafePointe has been used successfully in a facility?
SafePointe has transformed security screening protocols at a hospital in Florida. Since its adoption, the hospital has effectively detected numerous concealed weapons. By leveraging technology that identifies weapons based on their distinct magnetic profiles, SafePointe addresses the growing challenge of sophisticated concealment methods. This innovative solution enables the hospital to enhance safety for patients and staff while maintaining its commitment to high-quality care. You can learn more here.
How does SafePointe compare to Evolv?
While both SafePointe and Evolv are weapons detection systems, their designs and operations differ significantly. SafePointe employs a discreet, “undercover” approach with unobtrusive bollard-like sensors that blend seamlessly into the environment, minimizing disruption. Its advanced AI algorithms also reduce the need for constant human monitoring, offering potential cost savings in certain applications. SafePointe is ideal for settings where maintaining a subtle security presence is essential, such as casinos, hospitals, or high-traffic areas, whereas Evolv may be better suited for environments where a more visible screening process is acceptable. You can learn more here.
What reporting and management tools are available?
The InSight data platform allows analysis, review, and sharing of SafePointe data across multiple lanes, entrances, and facilities. It provides comprehensive reporting options including alert reviews, historical data, and incident scorecards tracking visitor count, detections, alerts, ground truth, and performance metrics.