Troubled New Jersey school district deploys AI gun detection with 3-second alerts

New Jersey’s Glassboro School District has become the first in the United States to implement an integrated AI weapon detection and mass notification system across its facilities. The system combines ZeroEyes’ AI-powered gun detection technology with Singlewire Software’s emergency communication platform, creating a comprehensive security network that can identify firearms and alert authorities within seconds of detection.

How it works: The integrated system uses artificial intelligence to monitor hundreds of security cameras for potential weapons threats across six district buildings.

• ZeroEyes software analyzes video feeds in real-time, placing a green tracking box around any detected firearms visible to cameras.
• When a weapon is identified, alerts are sent to a 24/7 monitoring center where human analysts verify the threat within three to five seconds.
• Upon confirmation, the system automatically locks down buildings and simultaneously notifies school staff and law enforcement.

The scope: At least 250 cameras are deployed across the district’s security network, covering four schools plus administration and transportation buildings.

• The system can potentially detect firearms “far beyond our building’s façade,” according to Superintendent Al Lewis.
• Testing was completed over the summer, with the full system now operational.

What they’re saying: District officials emphasize their commitment to staying ahead of security threats.

• “We want to stay on the forefront of anything we can do to keep our kids and our staff safe,” said Al Lewis, superintendent of Glassboro Public Schools.
• “The new integration allowed us to not only eliminate the response time in identifying a weapon, but then the time to notify law enforcement and staff that there was a security incident potentially going on,” Lewis explained.
• “Just shows how committed we are to protecting our staff and students,” added Chuck Baur, the district’s IT director.

Why this matters: The implementation represents a significant advancement in school security technology, potentially setting a precedent for other districts nationwide as educational institutions seek comprehensive solutions to address safety concerns in an era of heightened security awareness.