Gun violence in schools continues to be a pressing concern, and many School districts are exploring additional security measures to protect students. Some districts have implemented metal detectors, clear backpack requirements, and stationed School Resource Officers on campuses. However, these measures may not be enough to prevent shootings. As a result, several school divisions across the country are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) technology as an extra layer of security.
Companies like Actuate, Omnilert, and ZeroEyes have partnered with schools to integrate computer vision AI into existing surveillance systems. Rob Huberty, the Chief Operations Officer of ZeroEyes, explains that their software uses computer vision AI to detect guns in real-time. The technology continuously analyzes camera feeds frame by frame, searching for weapons. If a weapon is detected, an alert is triggered, enabling authorities to respond proactively before shots are fired.
Dr. Chris Heilig, the Superintendent of Schools in Mount Holly, New Jersey, shares the success his district has had with ZeroEyes. With the use of the technology, law enforcement was able to respond to an active shooter in just 60 seconds, compared to three minutes without the technology.
ZeroEyes argues that most school shootings involve shooters who openly display their guns before firing. Their AI technology focuses on identifying weapons that are visible, rather than holstered or hidden. The system emphasizes privacy protection by only analyzing objects in the camera feeds, without recording any personal or identifiable information.
Before authorities are notified, trained monitors manually verify each weapon sighting. Former Virginia Beach Police Chief Jim Cervera believes that using this technology could be beneficial as long as it aligns with constitutional rights, specifically the Fourth Amendment’s right to be secure against unreasonable searches without probable cause.
Implementing AI technology for gun detection in schools does come with a cost. The price varies based on the number of cameras, with monthly fees ranging from $20 to $50 per stream, including installation and monitoring. Despite the expense, Dr. Heilig’s school division prioritized the funds within their budget, understanding the importance of this security tool.
In conclusion, while AI technology is not considered the sole solution for school safety, it is regarded as one of the effective measures to protect students from gun violence. By using AI to detect weapons, schools can be proactive in responding to potential threats and ensuring a safer learning environment for all.
Sources:
– Original article by News 3
– Actuate: [source]
– Omnilert: [source]
– ZeroEyes: [source]
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