Maryland K–12 District Selects AI Visual Gun Detection Solution

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) in La Plata, Md., recently announced that it has selected an AI visual gun detection solution to keep students, staff, and faculty safe against the backdrop of increasing active shooting incidents in schools, according to a news release. The district will use Omnilert Gun Detect to monitor external cameras and to provide an emergency notification system.

“This technology provides real-time detection and advance warning before a situation occurs, which provides our school officials with valuable time to react to a possible safety threat,” said CCPS director of school safety and security Jason Stoddard. “We chose this software because it was the only solution that could provide the unique combination of early gun detection, human verification, mass communication, and an automated response. Each of these features helps strengthen the school system’s comprehensive approach to keeping our children and staff safe.”

Installation across the district’s 22 elementary schools, nine middle schools, seven high schools, and five education centers has already begun; activation is scheduled for the end of the school year. Omnilert Gun Detect can detect firearms—either handguns or long guns—and send an alert to a designated representative at Omnilert monitoring centers or the district security operations center. After the threat is verified, Omnilert can also send an alert to security and local law enforcement, according to the news release.

“With 2022 breaking new records for the most school shootings, districts around the country are looking for ways to mitigate the threat, and our visual AI technology turns their existing security cameras into a preventative system that detects guns and immediately initiates a life-saving response,” said Omnilert CEO Dave Fraser. “In the majority of incidents, including Uvalde and Sandy Hook, the shooters were outside and visible on camera, so visual AI can extend detection beyond the building and give more time to avert disaster. We are proud to see CCPS taking a leadership position in protecting their students and staff and setting an example for other schools.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning and Campus Security and Life Safety. He can be reached at [email protected]

Featured

  • Black Hills State University Takes an Open, Scalable Approach to Video Security

    Black Hills State University recognized the need for a centralized video system to improve campus security and streamline operations. The university sought a solution that could unify its main campus with a satellite location, enable cross-department access, and scale with future growth. By implementing open platform video technology, BHSU laid the foundation for a comprehensive, flexible, and scalable security infrastructure. Read Now

  • Pennsylvania School Uses Locked, Rolling Security Grille to Control Spectators, Secure Building

    St. Jude School in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, is a private Catholic elementary school that serves students from Pre-K through grade 8. Recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, St. Jude offers diverse educational programs designed to foster a nurturing and challenging learning environment, and extracurricular activities like sports are an integral part of promoting teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. Read Now

  • Fire-Rated Glazing Assemblies Modernize Academic and Social Hub

    In spring 2023, the University of Pittsburgh opened the doors to a seven-story west wing addition to Alan Magee Scaife Hall. The medical school building features several updated lecture halls, labs and classrooms. It also includes team-based learning and small group rooms as well as an entire floor dedicated to medical students. This floor is meant for students to congregate, study and build community. Read Now

  • Access Control Trends Continue to Strengthen School Safety Security

    Class period bells have been ringing across campuses for a few months now, but that doesn’t mean the subject of safety was fully settled before the start of the new school year. As one wise person once said, “It’s a journey, not a destination”. That’s why it remains a leading issue among administrators, faculty, students, and communities. Schools are striving to be at the top of their class when it comes to the ability to control access instantly and securely, monitor suspicious behavior accurately and consistently, and respond to threats immediately and effectively. Ultimately, they aim to provide a reassuring, comfortable, and conducive environment for a rich learning experience. These goals apply whether at a community college in Southern California, a major university in Pennsylvania, or a rural K-12 district in Michigan. Read Now