In any emergency, it’s the first minutes that matter most. The faster the response, the better the outcome — but it’s hard to stay watchful and to detect threats early.
Now, to help speed up response, a new generation of advanced video technologies is available to schools. AI video analytics from IDIS Americas align perfectly with K-12 schools’ existing preparedness measures.
They are affordable, fast to deploy, and easy to use; they align with existing preparedness measures, and don’t take much getting used to. In fact, like all the best examples of emerging AI technology, they support people in doing the things they already do, while reducing time and effort to improve outcomes.
Earlier weapons detection
Weapons detection is a good example. In many shooting incidents, the attacker has their weapon out before they get to the door, which is the best moment to detect them and act. AI cameras looking over schools’ grounds and entrances can maintain constant vigilance without losing attention or getting tired. They automatically detect when somebody may be holding, reaching for, or concealing a gun. Unlike metal detectors, video analytics are not affected by false positives triggered by iPads, laptops, ring binders, or keys. Unlike audio-based gunshot detectors, video detection works before the trigger is pulled.
Detecting other events-of-interest
There are many other uses for this new technology. AI video can be set up to spot events-of-interest such as people running in specified areas, or at certain times, when it’s not normally expected. It can detect loitering; crowds; aggressive body movements; fights; and falls.
It can distinguish appearance characteristics that can be useful in reviewing footage to find target individuals — clothing colors, accessories such as hats and bags, and demographic characteristics such as age.
AI detection can identify when someone enters a restricted area (line-crossing detection) or if an item is left behind or taken without authorization (left or removed object detection). These systems also enhance safety by sending alerts if an emergency exit is blocked or a fire door is propped open. They can help with vehicle control as well, for example detecting if a car or a person is present in a traffic lane reserved for school busses.
Alerts to control rooms, and to phones
Alerts can be sent to control room operators, so that trained staff can quickly check the real-time video feed and verify whether further action is needed. The same warnings can be sent to responders or authorized managers via their phones or tablets, with IDIS’ new generation of mobile VMS apps that allow control and management of the school’s video surveillance system by users who are away from their workstations, on the move.
This reflects the everyday reality of school life — staff are focused on teaching, supporting students, and managing daily operations.
While they carry out these critical responsibilities, AI-powered video detection systems work quietly in the background, providing continuous monitoring and peace of mind.
Easy adoption routes for AI video
Video analytics can be introduced system-wide, across the whole school property, or in specifically targeted locations such as entrances, corridors and common areas.
This means that any K–12 school looking to upgrade or modernize part — or all — of its existing camera system can now easily adopt AI analytics, whether at a few key locations or across the entire campus. This flexible approach enables schools to make a meaningful impact on the safety of their students, staff, and broader community.
Cameras no longer serve only to show what happened after an incident — they can now help prevent it from happening in the first place.
