The school district unveiled its new gun detection system at Fairmont Senior High on Tuesday. The school's unconventional design will let Marion County Schools and Rank One Computing shakedown their gun detection algorithm for any bugs and streamline protocol. The district wants to eventually expand its use to every school in the county.
"It's a continuation of what we started a year or so back," Marion County Sheriff Jimmy Riffle said. "We're always looking for different ways to secure the schools, make sure the students and staff are safe and can function in a learning environment. Any technology we can use to further that safety initiative, we're going to look at."
Rank One's algorithm integrates into the school's existing security camera infrastructure. The system can detect whenever a weapon, whether it's a pistol or a long gun, is drawn within view of a camera. Once it detects a threat, the system alerts whoever the system is set to notify, such as the principal, office staff, school superintendent and even local law enforcement.
The AI doesn't stop at weapons or suspicious objects. It can also scan faces for known sex offenders or other problematic individuals. The system has the ability to integrate with lists from regional jails. Conversely, it can also be used to greenlight parents or grandparents who have come to pick up their child. Another use is license plate recognition.
Adam Cheeseman , director of school safety for Rank One Computing, said the system could help police save lives.
"This does not and cannot replace our law enforcement officers," Cheeseman said. "At the end of the day they are going to be the ones protecting our kids. But, if we can give them a heads up, 'hey this is where it's at, this is what time it was,' they can get to the scene."
Should a shooter sneak a weapon into school in a backpack, Cheeseman said the ability to place cameras connected to the AI inside the building is an option as well, but it is up to the Board of Education if they want to secure the building beyond the entrances. School Superintendent Donna Heston pointed out AI detection wouldn't be the only layer of security at a school. Riffle added there are other detection methods in place.
"If you talk to any expert in the field or any school, you're unfortunately not going to stop something that happens but you work, tirelessly, to minimize it," Heston said. "I think it's important for everyone to be informed about this process, the technology, and not make assumptions and go to those dark places. I think the wonderful thing to salute here is that it's a collaboration of a school system, law enforcement and Homeland Security."
Cheeseman added parents and caretakers should find some peace of mind with the knowledge the superintendent and school board are putting in substantial resources to protect schools.
Heston said the hoax forced the school district to reflect on what protocols they had in place to handle such a disaster, as well as reflect on response time and communication.
She said two years ago the whole state faced a very similar dilemma, but the difference between then and now is, the schools have more safeguards in place. The district is also investing in mantraps at some of the other schools. Riffle said although he departs at the end of the year, between the school system, the sheriff's office and other agencies, he has worked to ensure there's continuity in place regarding school safety as his administration transitions to the next sheriff.
Rank One indicated it will supply the school system with cameras at cost in order to ensure Marion County Schools has no problems procuring the necessary equipment.
"Can we stop evil? I don't know that we can," he said. "But if we can put some measures in place to deter it or slow it down? That's our role. That's what this board is doing. That's what this superintendent is doing.
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