Westwood Community School District Implements ZeroEyes AI Gun Detection Technology for Enhanced Safety

Enhancing Safety in Schools: Westwood CSD's New Initiative with ZeroEyes

In a proactive move to ensure the safety of its students and staff, the Westwood Community School District (CSD), located south of Sioux City in Sloan, Iowa, has integrated a cutting-edge AI-driven gun detection and situational awareness solution developed by ZeroEyes. This system is the first of its kind to receive full SAFETY Act Designation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, marking a significant step forward in school security.

ZeroEyes' innovative solution augments the existing security protocols established by Westwood CSD, which serves a diverse student body of 575 across its K–12 campus. The district, comprising northern Monona County and southern Woodbury County, offers a variety of career and technical education programs, including Agricultural Business and Management and Drafting and Design Engineering Technologies.

The integration of ZeroEyes into the district's layered security approach comes alongside other key safety measures, such as the appointment of a school resource officer (SRO), the AEGIX AIM emergency management platform, and a visitor check-in system. By reinforcing their security framework, the district aims to provide students and staff with a secure learning environment, a goal echoed by Jay Lutt, the district's superintendent.

Lutt emphasized that the implementation of ZeroEyes adds a vital layer of protection, stating, "ZeroEyes' ability to seamlessly integrate with our AEGIX AIM security app and provide real-time alerts in the event of a potential threat adds a critical layer of proactive protection for our staff and students." The district's community response has been overwhelmingly supportive, highlighting their commitment to safety.

The technology behind ZeroEyes utilizes existing digital security cameras and can instantly detect the presence of a firearm in real-time. In the unfortunate event that a gun is identified, the images are transmitted immediately to the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), which operates around the clock and is staffed by former military and law enforcement professionals. Within a mere three to five seconds, alerts are dispatched to law enforcement and local security teams, providing crucial information such as the type of firearm and the last known location of the threat.

Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes, remarked on their partnership with Westwood CSD, applauding the district's proactive stance in enhancing school safety. He noted, "We are proud to support Westwood Community School District in its mission to enhance school safety. This community shares our unwavering commitment to protecting students and educators..."

ZeroEyes’ application is not only limited to educational institutions; it has garnered recognition across various sectors, including military and health facilities, emphasizing its versatility and effectiveness in protecting individuals in any occupied area. By delivering fast and accurate intelligence, the company aims to revolutionize how institutions respond to gun-related threats and ultimately save lives.

In conclusion, Westwood CSD's collaboration with ZeroEyes underscores a growing trend among educational institutions to embrace technology to create safer learning environments. This initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to security that prioritizes the safety and well-being of students and educators alike, preparing them to thrive in a secure atmosphere. For further information about ZeroEyes and their innovative solutions, visit ZeroEyes.com.