URGENT UPDATE: Angleton Independent School District (ISD) is revolutionizing school safety with cutting-edge AI technology that detects firearms and alerts law enforcement within 3 to 5 seconds. This groundbreaking system, developed by ZeroEyes, aims to prevent potential tragedies before they escalate.
In a world where gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teens, every moment counts. Parents like Dana Ernst are breathing a sigh of relief knowing that their children are safer at school. “As a parent, that is such a weight off of our shoulders,” Ernst said, referring to her 14-year-old eighth grader and 16-year-old junior. With the haunting memories of the Santa Fe High School shooting still fresh, she has taken extra precautions, including equipping her children with bulletproof shields for their backpacks.
According to Robert Munoz, assistant superintendent for student services at Angleton ISD, the AI system has been in operation for three to four years. “It’s an integrated system that picks up lethal threats in real time,” he stated. The software utilizes existing school security cameras to monitor for visible weapons.
When a threat is detected, images are sent directly to ZeroEyes’ 24/7 operations center staffed by trained military and law enforcement veterans who verify the threat instantly. “If it’s a real threat, we get text messages and snapshots of what the person looks like, what they’re wearing, and their location,” Munoz explained. This allows law enforcement to respond quickly and effectively.
One alarming incident involved the detection of three individuals attempting to enter an elementary school with an AK-47 hidden in a bag. Thanks to the swift action enabled by ZeroEyes, police were dispatched and apprehended the suspects before any harm could occur. Munoz emphasized, “While we can’t say we can stop every mass shooting, this technology is helping us every week.”
The co-founder of ZeroEyes, Sam Alaimo, noted that their system has the capability to alert law enforcement in mere seconds. “Over 60% of school shootings happen outside before moving inside,” Alaimo highlighted, underscoring the importance of early detection. The goal is to identify the weapon before it reaches any barriers or security measures.
As ZeroEyes continues to detect numerous firearms daily, the exact number of potential attacks thwarted remains unclear. Alaimo stressed that the key lies in early identification to ensure timely intervention.
The urgency of this technology cannot be overstated. As communities grapple with the reality of gun violence, systems like ZeroEyes offer hope and a proactive approach to school safety. Parents, educators, and law enforcement officials are eager to see how this innovative technology will evolve and contribute to the safety of students across the nation.
With developments in AI technology, Angleton ISD is setting a precedent for schools everywhere, proving that when it comes to safety, every second can make all the difference. Stay tuned for further updates on how this program continues to impact school security and student safety.
