Smarter surveillance cameras in schools, powered by artificial intelligence, can now detect threats faster by identifying weapons and learning the behaviors of persons acting suspiciously, according to an Associated Press story published in The Denver Post.
Schools are among the leading consumers of the technology, known as “intelligent video,” the AP says.
Administrators are increasingly giving local authorities real-time access to surveillance cameras in schools. Ten districts in Spokane County, Washington, recently granted access, as did the Miami-Dade and Broward County school districts, according to reports. And, a growing number of districts are installing surveillance cameras in buses.
More from DA: What’s the legal landscape around surveillance cameras in school?
Meanwhile, more states—including —Georgia, Texas and West Virginia—now require surveillance cameras in school special education classrooms, District Administration reported earlier this year.
“A recording is only viewed if there’s a report of abuse, neglect or sexual assault as defined by our Texas state family code,” Jose MartÁn, school attorney with Richards, Lindsay & MartÁn in Austin, told DA.
More from DA: Why states require cameras in special ed classrooms
School leaders are also adding more biometric technology to better secure their schools. Biometric devices—such as finger and facial scanners that captures the intricate and unique measurements of one’s finger, palm, face or iris—are being used to protect buildings and computer networks. Experts say biometric logins are far more secure than passwords.
“One factor that determines whether people will accept the use of new technology is transparency,” Tovah LaDier, managing director for the International Biometrics + Identity Association, told DA in March. “Let stakeholders know what it is, how it works and the purpose for which it is being used, as well as who’s going to have access to information and how student data is protected.”
More from DA: How biometric security boosts school safety and efficiency
