Safety Measures at Penn Medicine Facilities

At Penn Medicine, your health and safety are our top priorities.

We want you to feel secure while visiting our facilities and we are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and dignified environment for all. Please review our Code of Conduct, which applies to all patients and visitors.

To further enhance your safety, we are implementing an advanced security measure known as the Evolv weapons detection system.

This page will provide you with important information about this system, what you can expect when entering our facilities, and tips for a smooth and stress-free security screening process.

Commitment to safety: A weapons-free campus

We have a long-standing commitment to maintaining weapons-free hospitals and practices.

The Evolv weapons detection system is just one of the tools we are using to enhance security and it has been in use in select Penn Medicine hospitals since 2021. Through 2025, we will be installing and using Evolv units in more of our hospitals and practices.

Please note that our emergency departments (ED) already have metal detectors and bag scanners in place.

What we are doing and what to expect

The Evolv system is a highly reliable and touchless screening system designed to accurately detect weapons. It operates at high speeds and is capable of screening large numbers of people. This cuts down on crowded security lines and helps avoid unnecessary delays.

In many instances, people entering our facilities will no longer have to wait to be screened with a hand-held metal detector (wand). The Evolv system will allow you to move through security and get to your appointment quicker.

Evolv will screen for weapons and dangerous items, including: 

• firearms, whether or not you are licensed to carry the weapon
• knives 
• clubs 
• explosive devices 
• pepper spray or bear spray 
• shanks 
• any item that may be classified as a weapon 

Detected weapons and dangerous items must be surrendered or taken home. This may result in your appointment being rescheduled.

For more information on the Evolv Technology, please visit Evolv Technology FAQs.

Tips for getting through security

You may have an appointment scheduled in a facility that uses the Evolv weapons detection system. To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, we kindly ask that you follow these tips:

• Leave weapons at home. Please be aware that weapons of any kind, including guns, are not allowed on our campus or in our facilities.
• Allow extra time. Give yourself additional time to avoid stress and ensure you're not rushed.
• Have your ID ready. If you are an employee, please make sure your employee ID is visible.
• Organize your bag. Make it easier identify what is in your bag.
• Remove electronics. Take out all electronic items from your bags or pockets. Electronic items include laptops, cellphones, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles.
• Remove metallic items. Remove metallic items from your bags. Metallic items include things like nail clippers and scissors.
• Check for potential weapons. Make sure there are no potential weapons in your possession, such as pocketknives.
• Empty your pockets. Remove any loose change from your pockets to help speed up the screening process.
• Cooperate with security. Working together with our security team helps us keep everyone safe.
• Stay positive. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our campus safe.

Thank you for choosing Penn Medicine. We look forward to providing you with the best possible care in a secure environment.