AI security: Safeguarding schools beyond surveillance

To bring surveillance systems up to date, schools are beginning to explore the potential of artificial intelligence.

Security guard patrolling school — *dlewis33 / E+ via Getty Images*

Surveillance cameras have been a core component of safeguarding schools for decades by extending the capabilities of school security officials, allowing them to monitor activity across school campuses from a centralized location. Recent surveys show that 91% of schools now rely on surveillance cameras to support their security efforts.

However, as security threats have evolved, surveillance systems have struggled to keep pace. The number of threat events has increased significantly over the past decade, putting much higher demands on security personnel.

In 2023, for example, there were more than 346 school shooting incidents in the United States. By comparison, there were only 34 incidents in 2013.

To bring surveillance systems up to date, schools are beginning to explore the potential of artificial intelligence. Integrating AI with modern surveillance results in proactive warning systems that strengthen schools’ security measures, giving them the capability to address far more than just immediate threats.

Enhancing security with proactive threat detection

Traditional surveillance systems allow security personnel to passively watch as threats unfold, and while they extend the reach of security systems, they don’t empower proactive threat detection. AI transforms traditional systems by giving them the capability to proactively analyze, interpret and respond to potential threats in real time by injecting intelligence into existing systems to enhance and fortify the security they can offer.

Automated weapons detection is one of the key capabilities that AI brings to surveillance. AI systems are trained on vast datasets, empowering sophisticated algorithms that can recognize the visual signatures of virtually any weapon. Size, shape and material composition can reveal the presence of a weapon even before it is visible in its entirety.

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Advanced training can allow AI to assess the data it gathers through surveillance systems to identify potential weaknesses.”

AI’s advanced visual recognition capabilities also allow for potential threats to be assessed in the context of their surroundings, meaning it won’t simply sound the alarm when someone carries any metal object into a classroom. As an intelligent sentinel, AI will first determine if the object is a wrench in the hands of a custodian or a gun in the hands of a potential shooter.

Extending security beyond threat detection

The capabilities of AI-driven security do not end with automated threat detection. AI empowers a holistic approach to security by identifying and mitigating risks, as the security training provided to AI allows it to detect anomalies in the school environment and monitor the school for signs of weapons as well as any unusual or unexpected behavior that might indicate a safety concern.

For example, AI can learn the normal traffic patterns in school hallways, allowing it to identify when the movement of a student is normal and when it is suspicious. It can even identify anomalies like doors that are closed when they should be open or lights that are off when they should be on. Rather than simply log this activity as traditional surveillance systems do, AI can identify them as a safety concern and reach out appropriately.

Advanced training can allow AI to assess the data it gathers through surveillance systems to identify potential weaknesses. If access policies create security vulnerabilities, AI can identify them and make suggestions for improving security. If security policies are being ignored, AI can detect violations and alert security personnel to the need for more effective training.

Empowering effective security responses

Adding AI to conventional surveillance systems also improves their capability for facilitating an effective security response. When a threat is detected, AI can trigger notifications to all appropriate personnel, including school security staff, teachers, administrators and any other officials as predetermined by the school’s security team.

AI enhances the security response in several ways. First, it provides clear communication that is not adversely affected by emotions or unclear thinking. Even for the most seasoned security professional, an active shooter situation can be unnerving. AI is not rattled by a threat, allowing it to quickly and clearly communicate the situation as it is detected.

AI systems also improve security response by providing dynamic video or photos of the threat until it is addressed. This allows security personnel to see exactly what has triggered concern and to track the concern as it moves through the school.

Surveillance will always be a crucial component of school security, but without the advanced capabilities AI integrations provide, traditional surveillance methods will struggle to address the modern threat landscape. AI transforms conventional surveillance into a modern tool that can detect and address the threats that challenge today’s school security frameworks.