With gun violence on the rise, US schools urgently need advanced security measures. Enter AI-enabled surveillance systems.

These systems use existing security cameras to monitor school premises for visible firearms, detect them, and alert trained personnel. The demand for these systems is skyrocketing, fueled by the record highs in school shootings seen in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Several states have implemented or proposed funding to support AI surveillance in schools. For example, in January 2024, the Utah State Board of Education approved plans for grants to implement AI gun detection tools in K-12 schools across the state. Likewise, school districts in Iowa, Florida, and Michigan have adopted similar initiatives to implement these technologies in schools.

While these systems promise enhanced safety, they also bring new challenges and hurdles for school administrators and legislators alike.

Cost concerns and legislative challenges of AI-enabled gun detection

AI-enabled gun detection technology is expensive.

For example, Florida's legislation to deploy this technology came with a hefty price of approximately $929,000. Similarly, Missouri Governor Mike Parson vetoed a $2.5 million funding initiative, citing the need to cut spending amid budget concerns. The high cost of these systems raises questions about their feasibility for many school districts.

There is also the issue of how legislation is crafted, as it can sometimes stifle competition. Some of these proposals often include specific requirements that only a few companies can meet, which narrows the pool of available technologies and limits new, potentially more effective solutions. This was seen with Missouri’s vetoed bill, as well as a bill vetoed by the Kansas Governor in May 2024. In that case, the bill would have limited the choice of available technologies by imposing specific requirements only a few companies could meet.

Critics argue there is a lack of empirical evidence that proves AI surveillance systems prevent school shootings, as incidents often happen too quickly for these systems to respond effectively.

There is also the risk of false alarms and system malfunctions, which can lead to unnecessary panic and lockdowns. For instance, in 2021, a Georgia school district experienced district-wide lockdowns due to false alarms from their emergency alert system. Such inaccuracies not only cause disruptions but also undermine trust in the technology.

Ethical and privacy concerns

The increase in surveillance can create a "surveillance zone": where students feel they are constantly being watched and treated like suspects. The learning environment can be negatively impacted and disproportionately affect various students - causing significant, ethical concern for educators and parents alike. For example, a 2023 ACLU report found that surveillance technologies in school often made students feel more uneasy and less likely to report dangerous behavior.

There is also an ongoing debate over the trade-off between enhanced security and student privacy rights.

In Lockport, New York, the introduction of facial recognition technology in schools sparked significant backlash from parents and civil rights groups, with one of the major critiques being over fear for student privacy.

With these systems collecting vast amounts of sensitive data, this can be misused if not properly secured.

The role of video data management in school security

AI-enabled surveillance provides an additional layer of security but is not a comprehensive solution. To create truly safe school environments, it’s essential to integrate other critical safety measures such as mental health support, improved overall building security, and comprehensive training for staff and students.

Proper safeguards, regular reviews, rigorous standards, and thorough audits are necessary to ensure these technologies are effective and ethically implemented. Risk assessments should also be conducted to ensure that the solutions deployed are proportionate to the level of risk and threat present in each specific environment.

For schools that plan to implement surveillance technology, different video management systems can enhance their safety protocols. Eagle Eye Networks offers an innovative solution to enhance school safety during critical incidents. Their 911 Public Safety Camera Sharing provides seamless sharing of surveillance video from existing camera systems with Emergency Communication Centers (ECCs) during a 911 emergency. This system ensures that real-time visual information is provided to telecommunicators, enabling a faster, more accurate emergency response.

Live video redaction and anonymization can be a useful tool to maintain privacy in surveillance systems. This technology allows schools to protect individuals' identities while still providing necessary visual information during emergencies to first responders.

Our AI-powered video anonymization solution, Secure Redact, offers live redaction capabilities. Integrated with Eagle Eye Networks, Milestone Systems, and other VMS platforms, or used directly as a SaaS solution, Secure Redact ensures privacy and compliance while maintaining the ethical use of video surveillance. This integration allows schools to protect individuals' identities while still providing essential visual information during emergencies.

AI-enabled surveillance systems have the potential to improve school security, but they must be implemented thoughtfully. Policymakers and school administrators need to balance technological solutions with broader strategies to create safe and supportive learning environments. Video management systems can significantly enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities. With careful consideration of cost, effectiveness, ethical implications, and impact on the school environment, these technologies can play a crucial role in making schools safer.