K-12 schools nationwide are facing the reality that they need more processes and tools to ensure safer campuses. For example, both Baltimore County Public Schools and Alexandria City Public Schools have turned to high-tech systems to enhance school safety and security. In May 2023, Alexandria City middle and high schools launched a Weapons Abatement Pilot program using sensors to identify and detect weapons, and this year, the majority voted to make it a permanent initiative. In Baltimore County, Superintendent Myriam Rogers announced that the new gun detection system was up and running, with the hope of deterring weapons on school property.

These technologies take a different approach to weapons detection and screening and are just a couple of the many technologies changing school safety and security. As technology evolves, K-12 schools must stay informed about the available options. We asked a few of our partners, experts in their fields, for their thoughts on a few of the latest safety and security technologies that bring peace of mind to school campuses.

Air Sensors

When we discuss “school safety and security,” it’s not solely about protecting students from the threat of violence. It also involves creating an environment within the school that is safe and conducive to learning and ensures students’ physical and emotional well-being. That’s where air sensors come in. 

Locked classroom doors can be the difference between life and death in today’s schools and can significantly impact a situation if an active shooter event occurs. Locking doors is  just one of several practices we recommend in the PASS Guidelines. However, while locked doors provide additional protection, some teachers contest the practice and worry that closed doors compromise indoor air quality (IAQ). Poor IAQ can lead to many health problems, affecting comfort, concentration, and staff/student performance. 

The spread of disease and viruses, poor outdoor air quality due to the rise of wildfires in certain areas, and old and insufficient school buildings and HVAC systems have left schools searching for ways to monitor and improve IAQ. One solution that can help teachers and staff achieve a more favorable environment for themselves and students is air sensor technology. 

Air quality sensors detect the presence and concentration of air pollutants, typically measuring two or more air quality indicators, such as humidity, temperature, carbon dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide. By monitoring indoor air quality, schools can ensure healthy air quality, ultimately improving the health and well-being of their students, reducing absenteeism due to illness, and more. 

Smart Sensors

Smart sensor technology has now become an option to detect a wide range of threats, such as vaping, THC smoke, gunshots, aggression, and more. For example, HALO’s smart sensors use artificial intelligence (AI) to detect more than just air pollutants like carbon monoxide and dioxide; their devices also detect:

• Abnormal crowd sizes.
• Marijuana smoke.
• Vaping and masking.

Sophisticated technologies like these can play a crucial role in ensuring safer educational environments. Besides detecting prohibited activities, smart sensors like HALO can also alert school staff and security personnel to the presence of dangerous situations and banned items in real time. This alert system enables prompt intervention and de-escalation, ultimately making schools safer. Furthermore, HALO products are multipurpose, making them eligible for multiple funding sources, which can help make them more accessible to school districts through various health and safety grants.

Audio and Video Analytics

Audio and video analytics leverage the power of AI and machine learning (ML) to identify, analyze, and report anomalies. Much like smart sensors, audio and video analytics can detect a variety of situations, including:

• Spoken keyword requests for help.
• Gunshots.
• Abnormal noise levels. 
• Sounds of aggression.
• Bursts, blasts, and other explosions.
• Glass breaking.
• Car alarms.
• Crowd congestion.
• Weapons.
• Perimeter trespassing.

Audio and visual analytics technology are highly effective safety and security solutions. They can immediately detect potential threats, send real-time alerts, and help enable a quick response. This not only helps prevent incident escalation but also ensures a safer and more secure learning environment for everyone. 

These technologies have also proven helpful in incident investigations. School and security personnel can review and analyze video footage to gather evidence and learn more about a sequence of events. Additionally, AI-powered video analytics, such as i-PRO Americas Inc., allow users to filter the footage and data to find specific details like clothing color, gender, and more.

Communication Systems

Today, school communication systems involve more than just two-way radios. For instance, solutions like Motorola’s MOTOTRBO radios allow teams to stay connected across networks and devices and integrate with the Motorola Solutions technology ecosystem, including video security and analytics. In addition to verbal communication, users can also send and stream photos and videos in case of an incident on the school premises. The company also offers solutions like WAVE PTX TLK, which enables communication via push-to-talk, text, video, photo, and file attachments. Rave Mobile Safety allows the communication of operational updates and alerts. 

Multichannel communication platforms, such as apps and software, relay critical information among school employees, parents, and emergency responders in real time. These digital notification systems ensure that everyone can stay informed and updated during an emergency or incident. 

Another common solution for managing students’ emergency information is a digital emergency reunification system. Raptor Technologies provides this system as part of its Emergency Management System. In case of an emergency that requires student-parent reunification, Raptor Technologies’ digital emergency reunification system can facilitate the process using its software. This eliminates the manual process of managing students’ emergency information.

Invest in Today’s Technology for a Safer Tomorrow

With the changing safety and security landscape, K-12 schools need to adapt and utilize advanced technologies to protect their students, staff, and visitors. By investing in these innovative technologies and integrating them into their existing security infrastructure, schools can more effectively detect, respond to, and mitigate various safety threats and emergencies. 

Although no single solution can guarantee complete safety, combining multiple technologies and proactive strategies can significantly reduce risks and create a secure and supportive educational environment for everyone.

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.