Volusia County, Florida deploys AI metal detectors across 10 high schools

Volusia County Schools is expanding AI-powered metal detectors to all 10 of its high schools, with four campuses already equipped and the remainder scheduled for installation by the end of the school year. The technology represents a significant upgrade from traditional metal detectors, using artificial intelligence to identify specific items rather than simply detecting metal objects, aiming to enhance campus safety while minimizing disruptions to students’ daily routines.

How it works: The AI-powered system can distinguish between everyday items and potential threats with remarkable specificity.

• “It scans everything on the person and identifies each item,” said Capt. Todd Smith with Volusia County Schools. “So it will say that is a Stanley cup, that is a Toshiba laptop, that is an iPhone 16. A standard metal detector would just say that it is metal and you need to check it.”
• Students simply walk through the device with their backpacks on and phones in their pockets, requiring only that they have their IDs ready.
• When WESH 2 reporter Pamela Comme tested the system carrying a microphone, it immediately identified the specific item.

Current deployment status: The district has strategically rolled out the technology across multiple campuses this school year.

• Atlantic High School in Port Orange was the first to implement the system last year, followed by Pine Ridge High, Taylor Middle-High, and most recently Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, which began using the detectors on Tuesday.
• Seabreeze High is scheduled for installation next week, with New Smyrna High following after that.
• The district plans to have all 10 high schools equipped by the end of the current school year.

Early results and deterrent effect: School officials report the technology is already achieving its intended purpose, even without detecting weapons.

• No weapons have been found using the new AI detectors, while fewer than five have been recovered district-wide this school year through other methods.
• “We are looking to deter that from happening to begin with,” said Atlantic High Principal Jason Watson. “So we are expecting not to find weapons simply by having it out here.”

Future expansion plans: Volusia County Schools is exploring broader implementation beyond high schools.

• The district has applied for grant funding to expand the AI metal detectors into middle schools.
• School safety officer Mike Micallef indicated the phased rollout will continue systematically across remaining campuses.