PERRY COUNTY, Pa. — The Susquenita School District in Perry County has deployed a new AI-based gun detection platform that aims to protect students and staff from gun-related threats.
The system is made by a Greater Philadelphia-based company called ZeroEyes which was founded by Navy SEALs and elite technologists, according to the ZeroEyes website.
The AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software is built into existing digital security cameras throughout the school campus. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center, which is staffed 24/7/365 by specially-trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans.
If they determine the threat is valid, those in the operations center will dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence, including visual description, gun type, and last known location, to local law enforcement, as well as the district's school resource officers as quickly as three to five seconds from detection, according to ZeroEyes.
“A safe environment promotes excellence by reducing distractions and fostering an atmosphere conducive to learning, creativity, and personal growth while cultivating a sense of trust and belonging within the school community,” said Dr. Jon-David Fox, Superintendent of Susquenita School District. “ZeroEyes is an impressive combination of AI and human expertise that will help protect students and staff from gun-related threats on our campus.”
The ZeroEyes gun detection solution has been adopted by the US Department of Defense, public school districts, colleges/universities, healthcare facilities, commercial property groups, manufacturing plants, shopping malls, and more.
“I commend Susquenita School District for their focus on security and safety, investing in the future of their students,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “By adopting our proactive AI gun detection technology, the district has taken a significant step towards creating a secure learning environment for its students and staff.”
ZeroEyes representatives say its gun detection system has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as an effective anti-terrorism technology and is the first AI-based gun detection technology to receive full SAFETY Act Designation.
FOX43 spoke with community members who think the system is a good idea.
“No parent should have to wonder whether or not their kid is safe at school," said Kristin Kortman who lives in Mechanicsburg, but works in Duncannon. "I think it’s great. I think AI is awesome and if we can use it to our advantage to keep kids safe, I’m all for it.”
“We need this, too many young people getting guns and thinking they’re tough guys, or it’s mental, people have mental health problems," added Ron Wakefield of Duncannon.