Schools and public buildings turn to AI gun detection software
Summary
Omnilert uses AI software to assess images collected on security cameras to detect, flag and alert users and emergency response of the presence of a gun. “There are several different companies that work with hospitals and municipalities with this type of technology,” Steve Webb, a southern Illinois superintendent and school safety educator said of Omnilert. “There hasn’t been an event yet where it’s like, the notorious school shooter with the manifesto, typically it’s not a bad actor.” In the first weeks of 2025, Lahiff said ZeroEyes flagged “multiple” people with guns in public spaces. Colorado-based Iterate.ai makes a similar AI gun detection software, though instead of selling its platform to schools, it’s made the technology open source, meaning anyone can access, modify or share it. “There wasn’t any [geographic] indicator that determined whether you’re more susceptible to this type of violence, and the reason being is because of technology,” said Webb, a retired law enforcement officer who has written a book about security in schools.