Multiple US School Districts Deploy AI Gun Detection Systems

Several school districts and companies across the U.S. are adopting AI-powered firearm detection technologies to enhance school safety and provide rapid responses to potential gun threats. In Uvalde, Texas, the school district is implementing AI technology from Omnilert that detects visible firearms via existing security cameras and can trigger lockdowns and alert authorities within 30 seconds, aiming to prevent delays like those experienced during the 2022 Robb Elementary shooting. Sevier County Schools in Tennessee installed the Evolv system, which uses sensors and AI image analysis to identify prohibited items, with the goal of improving safety alongside other security measures. Additionally, Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD) launched Bailey’s Promise, offering free licenses for AI firearm detection software to K–12 schools nationwide, enabling existing cameras to detect firearms in real-time and activate emergency protocols. These AI solutions emphasize privacy by avoiding facial recognition and focus solely on weapon detection, aiming to provide critical seconds for intervention while respecting individual privacy. Overall, these initiatives reflect a growing trend toward leveraging AI technology to proactively safeguard students and staff amid ongoing concerns about school shootings.