Looking back on 2025, it was a landmark year for artificial intelligence (AI) in campus security technology. Discussions and advancements in AI dominated the conversation, shaping innovations that promise to make campuses safer, smarter, and more responsive.
Industry publications, forums, and tech events were filled with deep dives into how AI was reshaping the landscape and the practical impact these changes had for schools, universities, and hospitals across the country. CampusSafetyMagazine.com ran more than 40 articles on the topic this past year.
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Reflecting on the developments throughout 2025, it’s clear that the momentum behind AI integration in campus security intensified. Schools, universities, and hospitals across the country made notable strides in adopting AI to enhance their security systems. Many organizations are hoping these changes will boost efficiency, address emerging threats more proactively, and make smarter decisions with their resources.
The potential ability to identify risks earlier, streamline daily operations, and respond quickly to unusual events underscored why campuses falling behind in this shifting landscape could mean missing crucial opportunities for safeguarding their communities.
The Benefits of AI for Campus Security
The potential benefits of implementing AI in campus settings reached new heights over the past year. AI-driven detection technologies are in the process of transforming how many campuses monitor and respond to security threats, with smarter surveillance systems capable of identifying people, vehicles, and incidents in real time. Automated alerts and intelligent monitoring allow security staff to move from passive observation to proactive intervention, making campuses safer and more efficient.
Another major advancement in 2025 was the potential of AI to act as a powerful force multiplier. Understaffed campus law enforcement and security teams now have the ability to handle demands more effectively by using AI to monitor multiple video feeds, freeing up officers for essential in-person duties.
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Student safety should see tangible improvements as well. School bus arrival tracking and passenger counting is becoming more reliable with AI, quickly notifying staff if a student is unaccounted for.
Access and vehicle control are also becoming more sophisticated. AI detection has made it possible to quickly identify when someone enters a restricted area (using line-crossing detection) or when items are left behind or removed without authorization. The technology can also send out alerts if an emergency exit becomes blocked or a fire door is propped open. In terms of vehicle management, AI detects cars or people in bus-only lanes and other controlled traffic zones, improving overall safety and order.
AI-powered computer surveillance software to monitor student behavior on school-issued devices continued to be used in 2025 as well. These programs track online activities to identify early warning signs of self-harm, suicide, bullying, or potential violence. When used properly and ethically, these tools play a critical role in keeping students safe by allowing early intervention before incidents escalate.
The Risks and Challenges of AI Implementation
Although 2025 highlighted the immense promise of AI in campus security, the year was not without setbacks. In October, for example, a Maryland school experienced a false alarm when their AI-driven security system misidentified an empty bag of chips as a potential firearm.
The school’s and system manufacturer’s safety protocols worked swiftly to clarify the actual circumstances, yet a breakdown in communication among administrators resulted in an armed police response and the detention of a student, underscoring the serious consequences of even minor errors in such systems.
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Another particularly notable incident occurred this past summer when a 13-year-old Tennessee student was jailed overnight and strip-searched after surveillance software flagged inappropriate comments she made on a school-issued device. After a human review, it became clear her comments were offensive but did not represent a credible threat. This situation underscored the high stakes of relying on automated software without appropriate human oversight and context.
Overall, 2025 demonstrated that while AI technology offers transformative potential for campus safety, it is critical to pair these tools with strong policies, comprehensive training, and responsible oversight to prevent unintended harm.
As we review the events of 2025, it’s clear that the year was pivotal for campus security technology. Institutions nationwide saw firsthand the power — and the pitfalls — of implementing AI in real-world school environments.
On one hand, AI-driven safety measures promise to enable faster threat detection, streamline emergency protocols, and improve the day-to-day efficiency of security teams. At the same time, incidents involving false alarms and misinterpretation of data showed that technology alone is not infallible; human oversight and thoughtful policy remain crucial.
The lessons learned in 2025 highlight how a balanced approach — combining robust training, clear communication, responsible oversight, and strong policy frameworks — is essential to harness the true potential of AI for safer campuses.
Promising Practices for Deploying AI in Campus Security
In reviewing 2025, it became evident that institutions needed a well-considered, multi-step approach to deploying AI. Thoughtful strategy, active community engagement, and effective change management stood out as essential components for the successful adoption of new technology throughout the year.
A phased rollout is essential, according to Chatura Liyanage, who is Vice President of Product at Trackforce. New technology should be introduced in stages to ensure smoother adoption and provide an opportunity to adjust based on real-world usage. This gradual approach also allows time to build awareness among stakeholders and gather valuable feedback from users at each step.
Investing in thorough training is equally important. Security teams require much more than just product walkthroughs. They need education on ethical surveillance practices, privacy considerations, and incident management protocols. Additionally, students, faculty, and staff benefit from understanding both the capabilities and limitations of these AI systems.
Human oversight must remain central to all AI operations. No matter how advanced the technology, it is still imperfect and requires human context and common sense incorporated into every process.
When choosing a vendor, institutions should look beyond technical specifications and pricing. The right partner will not only deliver robust privacy protections and transparent practices but also offer the flexibility to tailor their platform to your unique environment.
Finally, effective change management is critical to the success of any AI implementation. Colleges, schools and healthcare facilities that treat the implementation of AI as a cultural shift — as opposed to just a tech upgrade — will experience better long-term outcomes. Early and frequent communication, addressing concerns openly, and engaging the campus community as collaborators all help to build trust and acceptance.
