What is analytical surveillance AI technology and how can it be best utilized in today’s K-12 school environment?

Why AI Surveillance Technology Matters More Than Ever

Most public schools already use video surveillance technology in some capacity, but these systems struggle to keep pace with the daily, complex threats school leaders and safety teams face. Most current surveillance systems are passive recording tools that capture an event for historical review, investigations, and discipline, but surveys and research indicate that the vast majority of camera feeds in public schools are not monitored in real time. Many schools assume that faculty, security teams, and student populations are sufficiently aware of their surroundings, but not every situation can be 100% detectable by the human eye, especially in every hidden corridor of a school campus (PASS Guidelines 40). That’s where AI-empowered surveillance systems step in: to catch and report suspicious behavior and threats in all monitored areas before they escalate. 

Video surveillance with AI analytics can help shift security from a reactive mode to a proactive operational environment. While AI-enhanced surveillance undoubtedly improves standard surveillance systems, it is never intended to undermine individual privacy rights. It is always expected to be used ethically, lawfully, and effectively, as outlined in the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) Guidelines (54).

Schools have been rapidly adopting intelligent, responsive safety solutions that help school staff proactively identify and understand potential threats sooner. PASS and leading technology experts have contributed to this blog article to help schools and districts better understand and implement these AI-enhanced systems to achieve safer learning environments. 

This blog offers insights into the following areas:

• Exploring what analytical surveillance technology is and what it means when it is powered by AI
  
• Growing role of technology – specifically AI – in supporting proactive prevention
  
• How AI surveillance use falls into the Detection, Observation, Recognition, and Identification (DORI) framework
  
• AI privacy challenges

• Privacy compliance and process requirements that are needed to implement analytical surveillance and AI technologies

What is analytical surveillance technology?

PASS describes analytical surveillance technology and analytics as “the process of observing and analyzing recorded video content to transform real-time information into intelligent and actionable insights.” PASS goes on to say, “Smart video analytics for security systems use specialized AI and machine learning technologies to continuously observe video footage, with programs configured to automatically detect suspicious and anomalous events” (39-40).  

Surveillance technology systems with AI, or AI-powered video analytics tools, are becoming highly adept at detecting abnormal movement in crowds and hallways. For example, an AI-enhanced system can flag and alert school administrators if a scuffle between students arises or if a person is in medical distress. Unfamiliar cars idling in a school parking lot, loitering, unauthorized building access, weapons, or abandoned objects in vulnerable areas of a school can also trigger an alert. Alerts are then sent to school authorities in real time – within seconds – so they can make the call to de-escalate when needed (Campus Safety Magazine).

AI surveillance technology can be categorized into four groups: Detection, Observation, Recognition, and Identification, or the DORI framework approach to safety and security. Each of these categories defines how clearly a person or object can be viewed and how the information can be used to decide next steps to restore safety:

• Detection
  • The ability to determine whether a person or object is in the field of view of the camera
  • Example: intrusion detection, perimeter protection
    
• Observation
  • The ability to differentiate and classify people and objects in the field of view of the camera (e.g., man or woman, child or adult, red or blue jacket, two cars and one truck)
  • Example: speed notifications, heat maps, crowd estimation and management (also classified as detection)

• Recognition
  • The ability to identify an object with a higher degree of certainty, such as recognizing a familiar face or a specific type of vehicle
  • Example: weapon left behind, loitering, and fight detection (also classified as detection), and vehicle analytics (car make, model, color — part of LPR systems)
    
• Identification
  • The ability to identify specific individuals or objects where present in the field of view of the
    camera (e.g., John Smith, a 2009 Toyota Camry, a license plate number) (PASS Guidelines 85).
  • Example: facial and license plate identification (also part of detection), or, the reverse — dynamic privacy masking (supports identity protection)

Real-time surveillance has unparalleled advantages. Instead of relying solely on previously recorded footage, AI-powered systems analyze video feeds to quickly identify potential risks and threats, such as weapons, student violence, or medical crises. This blog explores a few examples of the most logical and beneficial scenarios for implementing AI-enhanced surveillance systems and why they are the most relevant tools for K-12 schools today.

How does analytical surveillance technology with AI enhancement fit into the PASS “Deter, Detect, Delay, Response” approach to safety and security?

AI-empowered video surveillance systems help schools strengthen situational awareness and improve response times without impacting staff workload. 

While intrusion detection can be limited to the breach of the building from the outside, the addition of motion sensors inside the building assists as a second level of detection in case an entry occurs that does not involve a door or window being breached. By covering hallways and public areas, the intrusion system can deter events such as theft and internal vandalism by persons who may “hide out” in the school building after the building closes (PASS Guidelines 132).

Deter: Visible surveillance cameras, signs that prohibit trespassing and indicate the campus has recorded cameras, or labeling unauthorized areas or unsafe behaviors on campus can effectively deter unauthorized or criminal activity. 

Detect: By scanning public areas such as hallways and corridors, analytical AI surveillance quickly detects suspicious behavior or objects. These systems analyze visual information and alert staff to unusual activities, such as unauthorized building access or unexpected crowding in key areas.

Delay: Timely alerts and situational awareness can help delay hazardous activity until help arrives. 

Response: The level of detail in the alerts can help identify where a situation is occurring, the nature of the incident, and as a result, improve accurate and coordinated response. 

What are some privacy concerns with AI-enhanced surveillance in K-12 schools?

While surveillance laws vary by district and state, many schools are permitted to use video surveillance in public areas such as foyers and hallways. However, cameras are universally restricted in areas where privacy is expected, such as restrooms, changing rooms, and school clinics. 

AI video surveillance is not without its controversies, especially regarding the misuse of systems and misidentification of threats. This is why school districts must develop comprehensive usage policies for cameras and AI analytics. Without clear policies, AI surveillance could expand beyond its original safety intent, lead to the abuse of power, and evolve into routine, illegal behavioral monitoring (State.Gov Surveillance Principles). Schools must establish and clearly communicate strict parameters for what data is collected, the quality and type of video intelligence obtained, who is qualified to access it, how alerts are issued, and when human discernment is needed to verify a threat before an emergency is announced.

The PASS Guidelines encourage schools to develop a data privacy plan that aligns with federal and state laws:

Develop a data privacy plan that details how the school will protect sensitive information, such as student records, personally identifiable information (PII), and health data. This plan should outline how data is collected, stored, shared, and protected. Regularly review the plan to ensure compliance with data privacy regulations such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (54).

Video surveillance footage must be handled in compliance with federal laws such as FERPA, which can be summarized in several key points:

• Clear intent: Surveillance in schools should be used only for safety and educational records. However, not every recording qualifies as an education record. Footage becomes an educational record only if it is used for disciplinary purposes or to identify a specific student.
  
• Restricted use: Surveillance is permitted in general-use areas but prohibited in locations such as bathrooms, school clinics, and locker or changing rooms.
  
• Clear communication of use: Parents, staff, and students should be explicitly informed about the school’s use of video surveillance for safety and educational purposes.
  
• Restricted access: Access to identifiable footage (PII) should be limited to authorized school officials and parents or guardians of the students depicted – and only if the footage qualifies as an education record.
  
• Limited data retention: Retention policies should be clearly defined with footage maintained per internal policies, state law, and as required by the district’s legal team or law enforcement. 

Some states require video surveillance in certain classrooms, such as special education classrooms, while others impose stricter rules or prohibit cameras altogether. These differences highlight the importance of reviewing local and state laws to ensure compliance. Read more here to understand varying state privacy regulations (State.Gov Surveillance Principles).

How should K-12 schools evaluate AI-enhanced, analytical surveillance technologies?

Before choosing an AI-enhanced surveillance system, schools should ensure that AI enhancement aligns with their ultimate safety goals and policies. When evaluating AI-enhanced surveillance systems, there are several testing criteria that schools should be aware of including software evaluation and restriction. 

Review software for security vulnerabilities, data privacy, and data residency, and conduct a comprehensive vendor assessment. Also, review data privacy and residency policies to ensure student and staff data remains protected, and perform a detailed evaluation of the vendor to confirm they meet security standards. This includes checking for known vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance with data privacy laws, verifying data storage locations, and assessing the vendor’s reputation. Only approve software that passes these checks. Templates for assessing software risk are available from CISA.7 (PASS Guidelines 66; State.Gov Surveillance Principles). 

AI and the Human Element

Administrators should remember that technology should not replace the human element in their overall security protocols. AI will only perform as well as your cameras. It is crucial to understand that AI performance results depend on lighting, camera placement, and “pixels on target.” AI analytics should only be used as a supplemental layer with, whenever possible, human verification – not a standalone security alternative. Remember, this technology can be a “force multiplier,” but it is not a “force replacement.” School administrators should always remain transparent with students, staff, and parents about their use of AI surveillance technology. Similar to the dedicated safety team outlined in the PASS Guidelines (18 & 20), districts should establish a policy team to determine the level of training required to use the technology, detail who has access to the technology and when it should be used, and develop a compliance plan for privacy laws. Procedures and data handling should be simple and clear. The policy team should include IT staff, security, legal representatives, and school administrative leadership to ensure balanced decision making and obtain buy-in from the community, parents, staff, and students.  

Ultimately, PASS provides a framework to ensure that surveillance in combination with AI technology is safe, ethical, and effective in improving situational awareness and safety on school campuses when used in compliance with privacy laws.

Ready to further explore AI-enhanced, analytical surveillance for your school?

As the threat of school violence continues to challenge educators and administrators in unprecedented ways, proactive measures are essential. AI-enhanced analytical surveillance technology offers an opportunity to strengthen prevention and response capabilities – when implemented thoughtfully and responsibly.

By reviewing your local and federal regulations and consulting with qualified safety professionals, schools can set clear expectations for how this technology supports a safer, more secure learning environment. Download our free PASS Guidelines to get started today.

About PASS

The Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) bringing together expertise from the education, public safety, and industry communities to develop and support a coordinated approach to making effective and appropriate decisions with respect to safety and security investments. You can download the complete PASS Guidelines here, or check out our PASS Safety and Security Checklist for quick tips on how to get started.  These resources—as well as white papers on various topics including barricade devices, lockdown drills, and more—are available at no cost.