Fort Smith Public Schools uses AI to ensure the safety of students, teachers and staff across all 26 campuses.

Working with ZeroEyes software and Curtis Stout, the school district implemented and installed the new security system for nearly 16,000 students, staff and teachers.

“We were interested in adding another layer of security to our comprehensive security plan and carefully evaluated every available solution,” said Martin Mahan, FSPS assistant superintendent. “ZeroEyes is ahead for several reasons. Its ability to overlay our existing security cameras allows our students to have a normal school experience.”

ZeroEyes also has a full-time operations center (ZOC) with human verification. The AI ​​software for weapon detection and situational awareness is installed on existing digital security cameras. When a weapon is identified, the images are immediately shared with ZOC, the industry’s only U.S.-based, fully-owned operations center staffed 24/7 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans. These experts determine whether the threat is legitimate. When this happens, they send alerts and actionable information – including a visual description, weapon type and last known location – to local law enforcement and school staff within three to five seconds of discovery.

Curtis Stout, a family-owned business based in Arkansas, has grown into a regional company specializing in lighting, energy and electrical solutions. Recently, Curtis Stout has turned his attention to campus security, acting as a bridge between school districts and security software providers like ZeroEyes to help protect students and staff.

Fort Smith is the first joint venture for ZeroEyes and Curtis Stout.

“It was a natural progression for us to expand into security infrastructure,” said Ron Smith, president and CEO of Curtis Stout. “We are proud to launch our campus security division with ZeroEyes as the anchor product and expect this to be our fastest-growing division to date.”

ZeroEyes is currently the only AI-based weapon detection video analytics platform to receive SAFETY Act designation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“Our mission at ZeroEyes is to mitigate gun-related violence, and our valued partners are helping us achieve this goal,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “Working with Curtis Stout to improve the safety of the Fort Smith School District has been a pleasure and we look forward to continuing our partnership initiatives to protect even more innocent lives.”

Mahan presented a proposal to the school board to begin working with ZeroEyes during the March 2024 meeting. During the same meeting, Mahan said this was part of a five-year plan to improve safety for students and facilities. AI and metal detectors are also being considered for the county’s stadiums and arenas.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: AI-powered weapon detection system increases security for Fort Smith schools