Some Utah schools will soon enhance their safety measures by implementing artificial intelligence (AI) gun detection software. The initiative was introduced after the Utah State Board of Education approved a $3 million contract with local tech company AEGIX Global. The contract is part of the state’s focus on increasing school safety in response to the passing of H.B. 61 during the 2023 legislative session.
The technology comprises two components: AEGIX Aim, which provides information to first responders, educators, and administrators during an incident, and ZeroEyes AI Gun Detection. This AI technology is designed to identify firearms outside of school structures and immediately sends an alert to a monitoring service. Within three seconds, responders receive the alert, allowing schools to lock down and prevent unauthorized individuals from entering.
Participation in the program is optional, with all schools having the opportunity to implement the technology. The Utah State Board of Education plans to send out an application and rubric to local education agencies (LEAs) in February. To be eligible, schools will need to meet certain requirements, including having cameras with specific technical capabilities and reliable Wi-Fi. As part of the program, schools can request up to four cameras for the firearm detection software.
AEGIX Global will provide training to schools that decide to adopt the technology, ensuring effective implementation. Despite concerns about privacy, AEGIX CEO Chet D. Linton clarifies that the ZeroEyes technology does not continuously stream video capturing students. Instead, it only captures and analyzes images in the event of a firearm being detected.
The Utah State Board of Education aims to prioritize student safety and views the implementation of AI gun detection software as part of a larger effort involving collaboration between various stakeholders.
Once LEAs are selected, they will have until the end of June 2025 to use the software. Following this period, schools will need to work with local policymakers to secure funding if they wish to continue using the technology.
In conclusion, Utah schools are taking concrete steps towards enhancing safety by using AI gun detection software. While privacy concerns have been raised, the implemented technology aims to precisely identify firearms and trigger an immediate response from responders. With this initiative, the Utah State Board of Education hopes to create safer learning environments for students throughout the state.
