Plymouth, Michigan Embraces AI Technology for School Safety
In an exciting development for school safety, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (P-CCS) have begun testing a cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to keep its campuses safer. As part of a collaboration with Motorola, the district is beta testing Avigilon, a system designed to enhance their surveillance capabilities through the integration of AI.
New Technology for a New Era
With around 16,000 students spread across its campuses, P-CCS has a network of 1,600 cameras in place to monitor activities. However, keeping an eye on real-time footage from all cameras at once is a monumental task. That’s where the magic of AI shines. According to Josh Meier, the district’s Safety and Security Director, the AI system can independently detect potential threats, including identifying an assailant carrying a weapon before they even enter the school building.
The team evaluated this impressive capability during the summer of 2024, staging a simulation with law enforcement personnel armed with real rifles. The results were compelling; the cameras successfully identified the threat well before the officers arrived on the scene. “We had already alerted to this long before they walked through that door,” Meier shared. Even more fascinating, once the officer was recorded walking inside, the system detected the weapon almost instantaneously.
Utilizing AI to Reduce Response Time
When asked about smaller firearms, Meier reported, “We’ve had pretty positive results, all the way down to a revolver.” The AI-driven system immediately takes action by locking down the school, sending alerts via a mobile app to teachers and staff, and making important announcements over the public address system—all simultaneously. Meier emphasized, “We’ve taken the human error out and the human reaction time.” He further noted, “If I can detect that before they even get to the front door, that’s a win.”
But the capabilities of Avigilon extend beyond mere weapon detection. The system learns from traffic patterns around the schools. For instance, if students typically transition between classes between 10:30 a.m. and 10:40 a.m., the system can identify any unusual activity during other times and send alerts. “It’s gonna tell us there’s an unusual event occurring,” Meier explained, showing how it can streamline responses in hectic situations.
Balancing Safety with Privacy Concerns
While P-CCS leads the nation in implementing this AI technology, some parents and community members feel concerned about the level of surveillance in schools. Superintendent Dr. Monica Merritt is well aware of these worries. “You really have to communicate your why,” she noted. “We’re not here to watch; we are using our resources to ensure safety.” She emphasized the importance of reassuring families that the system’s goal isn’t about monitoring but enhancing student security.
One challenge that remains, however, is that the AI can’t detect concealed weapons. That’s where K9 Echo, a specially trained dog, comes into the picture. K9 Echo, who can sniff out gunpowder and other weapon-related substances, adds another layer of security. Handler Scott Hughesdon describes Echo’s work as casual and approachable, allowing students to feel at ease while maintaining the safety protocols.
More Than Just Physical Security
Recognizing that safety isn’t just about physical security, Dr. Merritt also underlines the significance of mental health support for students. “I think that we can’t just talk about safety without talking about mental health as well,” she asserted. To demonstrate this aspect, K9 Echo is also trained as a therapy dog, helping students feel more comfortable during stressful times.
The initiative is backed by a substantial $1.9 million grant from the state of Michigan, which will help P-CCS implement the Avigilon system effectively. As the district continues to merge technology with safety protocols, the positive impact is already being felt.
In the words of Meier, “I thought this was going to be a game changer, but when I saw it work, that’s when I knew this is going to make schools safer.” The Plymouth-Canton Community Schools are not just keeping up with the times; they’re paving the way for a safer and more responsive educational environment.
