HOUSTON (KIAH) — In the wake of several tragic school shootings, many school districts across the country have begun using artificial intelligence-based weapon detection systems.
These systems use cameras and other sensors to detect the presence of guns and other weapons on school grounds. But Odis Johnson Jr., director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Safe and Healthy Schools, said these systems have not been proven to prevent mass shootings.
In fact, a 2019 study by the center found that these systems had a false positive rate of 75%. This means that 75% of the time, school officials will be alerted to a potential threat when there is actually no threat.
Police Chief Henry Garcia said the detection system was used at graduation ceremonies in May and has since been used at some campus sporting events, but the decision was made in response to gun-related incidents. He said it was not.
But the detectors are a deterrent to potential gun violence in the area.
“Right now, the focus is on keeping guns out of our campuses and events, so the target is definitely guns.”
Police Chief Henry Garcia
Commissioner Garcia said he hopes to expand the security system to the point where it can be installed on all Lamar CISD campuses.
However, this is much more costly. The district paid about $250,000 to acquire the system, which has the capacity to accommodate 12 portable security lanes. Security firm Athena was paid about $170,000 to maintain the software. An additional $300,000 will be required to acquire and operate five additional security lanes.
“Not only is it a good investment to make our campuses safer to protect students and staff, but it also makes sense for me, for the district, for the superintendent and for parents, to reduce weapons-related incidents on campus and around the district. Every single life saved means an incredible return on investment. ”
Police Chief Henry Garcia
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