AI gun scanners attract funding amid school safety concerns

Rise of AI-powered security in schools: The growing threat of gun violence and heightened public concern are driving a surge in investment in advanced security technologies for educational institutions across the United States.

• Lancaster County School District in South Carolina is considering allocating $2 million for AI-powered weapon detection systems following a recent hoax threat, reflecting a broader national trend.
• The US school-security industry, valued at $3 billion according to IHS Markit, has experienced rapid growth since the pandemic, fueled by public pressure and new funding streams.
• Evolv Technologies Holdings Inc., a provider of AI-powered scanning systems, has seen a significant increase in demand from the education sector.

Driving factors behind the security boom: High-profile school shootings and legislative responses have played a crucial role in shaping the current landscape of campus safety measures.

• Incidents like the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting and the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre have led to new grants and legislation aimed at enhancing school security.
• Several states, including Florida and New York, have passed “Alyssa’s Law,” mandating panic alert systems in schools.
• Electronic notification systems are now installed in over two-thirds of US schools, while security cameras have become nearly universal, compared to their presence in only one in five schools in the early 2000s.

Critique and concerns: Despite the rush to implement advanced security technologies, experts and researchers express skepticism about their effectiveness and potential drawbacks.

• Samantha Viano, an associate professor at George Mason University, notes that while AI systems may provide peace of mind, their effectiveness in preventing violence remains largely unproven.
• Jagdish Khubchandani, a professor at New Mexico State University, cautions against over-reliance on high-priced technologies, citing a lack of empirical evidence supporting their efficacy in diminishing school firearm violence.
• Critics argue that some technologies may offer little more than false comfort, potentially creating a “security theater” that provides only the perception of increased safety.

Financial landscape and industry growth: The school security sector has attracted significant investment from private equity and venture capital firms, reflecting the perceived market opportunity.

• Private equity has completed over 30 deals in the sector since the pandemic, while venture capital firms have invested more than $420 million in 37 transactions since 2020, according to PitchBook data.
• Companies like Cobalt Service Partners are actively acquiring access and security firms, with school safety representing their fastest-growing segment.
• The surge in spending is driven by a combination of public demand, available funding, and the ongoing national conversation on campus safety.

Varied approaches to school security: While many districts are embracing high-tech solutions, some are exploring alternative strategies to create safer learning environments.

• California’s Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District is focusing on more open campuses, wellness services, building modernization, and increased supervision.
• Other schools have implemented extreme measures, such as bullet-resistant desks and collapsible bulletproof shelters.
• New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced $21 million in plans for high-tech school security in March, highlighting the significant resources being allocated to this issue.

Real-world applications and challenges: Schools implementing AI-based security systems report both successes and potential limitations in addressing safety concerns.

• Prescott High School in Arizona has found value in its AI-based security system for detecting non-violent incidents, such as medical emergencies and theft.
• However, Evolv Technologies Holdings Inc. has faced scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission and is involved in a class-action lawsuit over claims about its product capabilities.
• Ken Trump, president of National School Safety and Security Services, warns against schools rushing to invest in products they don’t fully understand, emphasizing the need for comprehensive safety strategies.

Balancing security and education: As schools grapple with the complex issue of campus safety, the challenge lies in finding effective solutions that enhance security without compromising the learning environment.

• The ongoing debate surrounding school security measures highlights the need for evidence-based approaches and careful consideration of the long-term impacts on students and education.
• While the demand for advanced security technologies continues to grow, experts emphasize the importance of comprehensive strategies that address not only physical security but also mental health support and community engagement.
• As the industry evolves, further research and evaluation will be crucial in determining the most effective and appropriate ways to ensure student safety while maintaining a positive educational atmosphere.