Volusia County Schools Adopts ZeroEyes AI Technology to Enhance Safety on Campus

In a proactive move to enhance the safety of its students and staff, the Volusia County Schools (VCS) in Florida has deployed the ZeroEyes AI gun detection system. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics from the ZeroEyes Gun Violence Research Center, which reveal that nearly 40.4% of analyzed gun-related incidents in Florida have occurred on K-12 campuses. By integrating this cutting-edge technology into their security protocols, VCS aims to create a safer educational environment.

So, what exactly does the ZeroEyes AI gun detection platform offer? As the first of its kind to gain the Department of Homeland Security's SAFETY Act Designation, it utilizes sophisticated video analytics to identify the presence of firearms in real time. This system layers seamlessly over existing digital security cameras, enabling immediate detection and response. Upon identifying a gun, images are swiftly relayed to the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), which operates 24/7 and is staffed by military and law enforcement veterans. In case of a verified threat, alerts containing critical information—such as visual descriptions of the suspect, type of firearm, and location—are dispatched to first responders and school personnel within mere seconds.

Dr. Carmen Balgobin, Superintendent of VCS, expressed the district's commitment to leading the way in school safety. "We want our students to focus on learning, building friendships, and preparing for their futures, rather than worrying about their safety," she stated. The incorporation of ZeroEyes is an integral part of VCS's multi-faceted security strategy, which already includes the presence of safe school officers, rapid communication protocols, the use of Centegix emergency alert badges, and controlled single-point entry at all facilities.

With a vast array of more than 60,000 students and 8,000 employees spread over nearly 70 schools, VCS is not only the 14th-largest school district in Florida but also the largest employer in Volusia County. The district encompasses a wide range of environments, from beachfront communities to urban centers and wooded areas, highlighting the necessity for adaptive security solutions.

Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes, praised VCS's initiative in prioritizing student safety and the proactive nature of their security measures. He remarked, "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."

ZeroEyes has demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing gun-related violence, providing a sense of security in schools, healthcare facilities, and corporate environments alike. This pioneering solution, which helps mitigate the risk of mass shootings, is designed to minimize response times and deliver actionable insights amid urgent situations—ultimately aiming to save lives.

In addition to its AI firearm detection capabilities, the ZeroEyes team offers tech consulting, installation support, and practice drills for active shooter events, ensuring that participating organizations are adequately prepared for emergencies. The ZeroEyes platform is recognized for its practical and cost-effective approach to safety, having been adopted by various educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and even the US Department of Defense.

As society grapples with the challenges posed by gun violence, the deployment of technologies like ZeroEyes represents a significant step toward ensuring the safety of students and educators in the U.S. The hope is that such advancements will not only enhance security measures but will also foster a culture of safety and preparedness across educational environments.

Topics Policy & Public Interest)

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