In a significant move towards enhancing safety in educational institutions, Volusia County Schools has adopted an innovative artificial intelligence (AI)-based gun detection system. This initiative is part of their broader strategy to ensure a secure environment across nearly 70 schools serving over 60,000 students and employing 8,000 staff members.
The district has partnered with ZeroEyes, a leader in AI security technology, to deploy its cutting-edge gun detection and situational awareness software. This system is notably the first of its kind to receive the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s SAFETY Act designation, emphasizing its significance in emergency response and campus safety.
According to Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin, the technology was initially piloted at a few schools and inspired by successful deployments by the Daytona Beach Police Department. She remarked, ‘Our goal is to be a trailblazer for school safety in Florida. We want our students to focus on learning, building friendships, and preparing for their futures, rather than worrying about their safety.’
The AI platform seamlessly integrates with existing security cameras. When a firearm is detected, the images are instantly sent to ZeroEyes’ U.S.-based Operations Center, staffed by military and law enforcement veterans, which operates 24/7. If the threat is confirmed, critical intelligence is relayed to first responders and school staff within just 3 to 5 seconds, enabling rapid response.
Recent data from the ZeroEyes Gun Violence Research Center highlights that 40.4% of gun-related incidents in Florida occur on K-12 campuses, underscoring the importance of such technological safeguards.
Complementing the AI system, safety measures at Volusia County Schools include school resource officers, emergency alert badges, rapid communication systems, and single-point entry at all facilities, creating multiple layers of security to safeguard students and staff.
Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes, emphasized, ‘Every school should be a place where students and staff feel safe and protected. Volusia County Schools is taking a leadership role in setting new standards for campus safety.’
As the largest employer in the county and the 14th-largest school district in Florida, the district’s efforts reflect a proactive approach to combating campus violence and enhancing safety in diverse environments ranging from coastal areas to urban centers.
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