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Several school districts across Kansas are exploring a new AI-based security system designed to detect firearms and potentially stop school violence before it escalates.
State Grants Open Door for Advanced Safety Tools
The Kansas Attorney General’s Office has announced the availability of grant funding to help school districts adopt cutting-edge safety technology. These grants are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, encouraging districts to act quickly if they want to participate.
The technology is provided by ZeroEyes, a company that integrates artificial intelligence with existing school camera systems. Instead of installing entirely new hardware, the software analyzes live camera feeds to identify the presence of guns.
How the ZeroEyes System Works
Once the AI flags a possible weapon, images are immediately reviewed by trained military and law enforcement veterans. If a real threat is confirmed, law enforcement officers and school security teams are alerted within seconds.
This rapid response is designed to reduce delays during emergencies, when even a short loss of time can have serious consequences.
Local Districts See Practical Benefits
At Bluestem USD 205 in Leon, Superintendent Joel Lovesee said the district’s existing infrastructure made the decision easier.
With around 90 cameras across the district and all doors connected to a single secure system, Lovesee explained that the AI technology fits naturally into their current setup.
According to him, student and staff safety remains the district’s top priority, and parents are likely to support investments that strengthen protection measures.
Attorney General Supports the Initiative
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach emphasized that while some people worry about artificial intelligence, this program highlights how technology can be used responsibly.
He noted that fast detection and immediate human review are critical, because delayed reactions during emergencies can lead to tragic outcomes.
Other Districts Still Evaluating Options
Wichita Public Schools confirmed they are aware of the grant opportunity. A district spokesperson stated that officials are researching the technology further before deciding whether to apply.
So far, six Kansas school districts have submitted applications. Districts that receive funding will eventually need to decide whether to continue paying for the service once grant money expires.
Implementation Timeline Still Unclear
At this stage, there is no confirmed timeline for when the technology would go live in participating schools. Officials say implementation will depend on approval, funding availability, and district-level decisions.
The introduction of AI-powered gun detection systems marks a significant step in Kansas school safety efforts. By using existing cameras, combining artificial intelligence with human judgment, and enabling rapid alerts, the program aims to reduce response times during critical incidents.
While some districts are moving forward quickly, others are taking a cautious approach, weighing costs and long-term commitments before making a decision.