Lidia Perska
In a concerted effort to prioritize student safety, the School District is currently exploring a potential partnership with ZeroEyes, a prominent weapon detection system company. The proposed contract, amounting to $156,000 annually, was discussed during a recent School Board meeting, earning considerable attention from education stakeholders.
Unlike conventional security measures, ZeroEyes leverages artificial intelligence to enhance the capabilities of existing surveillance cameras within the district. By rapidly detecting firearms, this cutting-edge system transmits real-time footage to experts for thorough examination. Should a threat be identified, immediate lockdown procedures would be initiated within the affected school, ensuring the safety of students and staff.
ZeroEyes, established in 2018 by a team of Navy Seals and technological experts, emerged as a response to the tragic mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Driven by the noble mission to prevent similar incidents, the system enables facilities such as schools, commercial buildings, and defense sites to benefit from military-grade intelligence monitoring. By providing human-verified alerts within three to five seconds of weapon detection, ZeroEyes empowers proactive responses that save lives.
During the presentation to the School Board, JT Wilkins, the senior vice president of sales, highlighted the remarkable impact this technology has had across 40 states, including Arkansas. However, it is crucial to note that ZeroEyes does not detect concealed weapons or weapons within holsters, according to the company’s website.
With the aim of implementing ZeroEyes in schools by August, Martin Mahan, the district’s deputy superintendent, emphasized the need to keep the specifics of the system confidential for the sake of security. While the contract includes a five-year warranty, the price will remain constant for a six-year duration. The district’s chief financial officer, Charles Warren, expressed intentions to explore available grants to cover the expenses. In the absence of grants, the district’s operating funds will be utilized.
Superintendent Terry Morawski assured the School Board that this contract would require annual discussions to reevaluate its effectiveness and maintain alignment with the district’s objectives. The district recognizes the value of continuous assessment and adaptation to ensure optimal school safety.
The decision to pursue this partnership follows two recent incidents involving weapons within the district. The implementation of ZeroEyes serves as a proactive measure to prevent such occurrences and create a secure learning environment for all students.
To further strengthen school safety, additional measures are also being considered. This includes the addition of dean positions at Northside and Southside High Schools to address student discipline concerns, allowing assistant principals to focus on campus safety and overall school climate. Furthermore, the district is actively seeking to recruit four more school resource officers to bolster security across Fort Smith’s 19 elementary schools, as well as the Belle Point Center and Peak Innovation Center.
As the School District continues to prioritize the well-being of its students, the potential collaboration with ZeroEyes showcases a commitment to embracing innovative solutions that ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for all.
FAQ:
1. What is ZeroEyes?
ZeroEyes is a weapon detection system company that uses artificial intelligence to enhance existing surveillance cameras to rapidly detect firearms.
2. How does ZeroEyes work?
ZeroEyes leverages AI technology to detect firearms through real-time footage from surveillance cameras. It then transmits the footage to experts for further analysis and initiates immediate lockdown procedures if a threat is identified.
3. What is the purpose of implementing ZeroEyes in schools?
The purpose of implementing ZeroEyes in schools is to enhance school safety by proactively detecting firearms and initiating necessary safety measures to protect students and staff.
4. Who founded ZeroEyes?
ZeroEyes was founded in 2018 by a team of Navy Seals and technological experts.
5. Does ZeroEyes detect concealed weapons or weapons within holsters?
No, according to ZeroEyes’ website, the system does not detect concealed weapons or weapons within holsters.
6. How will the implementation of ZeroEyes be funded?
The district’s chief financial officer expressed intentions to explore available grants to cover the expenses. In the absence of grants, the district’s operating funds will be utilized.
7. Will the effectiveness of the ZeroEyes system be evaluated?
Yes, Superintendent Terry Morawski assured the School Board that the contract with ZeroEyes would require annual discussions to reevaluate its effectiveness and maintain alignment with the district’s objectives.
Definitions:
– Weapon detection system: A system that uses technology, such as AI and surveillance cameras, to detect firearms and other weapons.
– Surveillance cameras: Cameras used to monitor and record activities in a given area.
– Artificial intelligence (AI): The simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans.
– Lockdown procedures: Safety measures implemented to restrict movement and ensure the safety of individuals in a specific area.
Suggested Related Links:
– ZeroEyes Official Website
– U.S. Navy SEALs Official Website
– National Center for Education Statistics: School Safety
