By: Jon Nordmark, CEO of Iterate.ai

Since the Columbine shooting in the late 90s, the conversation around gun violence in schools has only intensified, with communities across the United States seeking effective solutions to protect students and staff. Colorado lawmakers are now turning their attention to innovative safeguards, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool to enhance safety measures in educational settings. This move represents a new approach to leveraging AI technology in the fight against gun violence, aiming to prevent tragedies before they even occur in our schools.

AI technology offers a range of applications that could add one more layer of protection against gun violence in schools. One of the primary ways AI can be utilized is through advanced surveillance systems. Never asleep, these systems can analyze video streams in real-time, identifying potential threats. Threats can range from individuals carrying firearms to a person wearing Kevlar vests to a person wearing a suspicious mask paired with a weapon like a knife. Cameras can also keep an eye on all building entrances at the same time.

Think about this AI as augmented intelligence, not just artificial intelligence. These systems can enable a rapid response by alerting authorities and school officials immediately, potentially averting dangerous situations. Technology like Iterate.ai’s Threat Awareness Technology identifies guns and other weapons in real-time, and can notify authorized personnel and give schools minutes to lockdown instead of seconds. In an active shooter situation, those minutes are the difference between life and death.

The pioneering efforts of Colorado in discussing and potentially implementing AI technology to combat school gun violence set a precedent that other states will hopefully follow. As awareness of the effectiveness of such technologies spreads, it’s reasonable to anticipate a domino effect, with states nationwide establishing parameters and protocols for integrating AI solutions into their safety measures. This movement is not just about adopting new technologies but about creating a unified front against school gun violence, leveraging AI’s potential to save lives. There’s a growing hope that this technology, starting with initiatives like those in Colorado, will pave the way for national implementation. The goal is a country-wide adoption of AI solutions for school safety so that schools can be sanctuaries of learning, free from the fear of violence,.

The potential of AI to transform school safety does not come without its challenges. Concerns regarding privacy, the potential for false positives or not identifying a threat and the need for clearly defined protocols on the use of AI-generated information are among the issues that need careful consideration. Colorado lawmakers are engaging with technology experts, educators, law enforcement and community stakeholders to address these concerns. The goal is to create a framework that maximizes the benefits of AI, adding a layer on top of existing safety systems in an attempt to prevent gun violence while safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Just one life saved is exceptionally meaningful.

When considering the impact of AI on mitigating gun violence in schools, it’s essential to maintain impartiality towards vendors and products. To enhance accessibility of AI for schools prioritizing teacher salaries, Iterate.ai has open-sourced an AI weapon detection model, offering another avenue for progress. Emphasizing the capabilities and diverse applications of AI is key, shifting focus away from individual products or companies. This approach keeps discussions centered on identifying the most effective solutions for student and staff safety.

Colorado’s exploration of AI solutions to combat school gun violence represents a hopeful stride towards a safer future for students. As lawmakers continue to deliberate on the best path forward, the promise of AI stands as a testament to the potential of technology to make a significant impact on society’s most pressing challenges.