Gun Violence Soars: Former Navy SEALs Utilize AI to Detect Weapons
Gun violence in the United States has been on the rise in recent years, reaching alarming levels. Mass shootings have become more frequent, with 2021 reporting 690 incidents compared to 383 in 2016. The numbers continued to escalate in 2022, with 646 mass shootings. Shockingly, over 45,000 people lost their lives due to gun violence in 2021 alone.
Unfortunately, 2023 is on track to becoming one of the deadliest years on record. With at least 377 mass shootings and 30 mass killings already reported, this year has seen more mass killings at this point than any year since 2006.
Amidst this distressing epidemic, a group of former Navy SEALs is working tirelessly to protect people across the country. Their innovative tool in the fight against gun violence revolves around the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
ZeroEyes, founded in 2018 by a team of tech experts and military veterans, is a software company that offers an AI-driven solution. Their software integrates with existing security cameras, analyzing live feeds to detect firearms. When a potential weapon is detected, the footage is immediately reviewed by an experienced human analyst for verification. If the flag proves to be accurate, ZeroEyes promptly alerts local law enforcement and the client, aiming to significantly reduce response time for first responders.
The concept behind ZeroEyes was born out of the desire to utilize security cameras proactively, rather than simply in the aftermath of a violent incident. Sam Alaimo, co-founder of ZeroEyes, explains, The gun is exposed during these mass shootings, the vast majority of the time, in front of an actual live security camera between two and 30 minutes before shots fired. This is a golden opportunity. How do we get an image sent from a camera to the end user to enact their security protocols and keep people safe? That was why we built ZeroEyes.
To address privacy concerns, ZeroEyes’ software seamlessly integrates into existing video management systems without live-streaming or storing data from the video feeds. Their analysts, comprised of former law enforcement and military personnel, only view an image after the AI has flagged a potential weapon. In less than five seconds, the verification process concludes, and if positive, an alert is sent to both the client and law enforcement.
ZeroEyes has rapidly gained traction, operating in thousands of buildings and serving hundreds of clients. Their recent partnership with UMC Health System has made them the first hospital in the region to deploy such a system. Additionally, they were awarded a contract to deploy their detection technology for U.S. Air Force edge devices, including body cameras.
Every day, ZeroEyes identifies numerous weapons. While not all identifications are of real firearms, even detecting items like airsoft guns can be crucial. By informing clients, particularly schools, of the presence of airsoft guns on campus, overreactions by law enforcement can be prevented.
Sam Alaimo envisions this AI-powered gun-detection software becoming as ubiquitous as fire alarms. He notes, Your odds of being killed in a mass shooting are 15 times greater than dying in a building that’s burning. Yet fire alarms are mandated in every building in America. We see this technology being something similar.
ZeroEyes’ software addresses the urgent issue at hand without relying solely on thoughts and prayers, mental health discussions, or debates on gun laws. It focuses on the immediate need to enhance safety and security through their innovative solution.
As gun violence continues to plague the nation, the efforts and technological advancements of companies like ZeroEyes provide hope in the fight against this devastating epidemic. By harnessing AI and empowering law enforcement with real-time alerts, they are taking significant strides towards creating a safer environment for all.
