Uvalde schools will soon implement AI gun detection thanks to a $400,000 grant from Omnilert’s Safe Haven Grant Program.
UVALDE, Texas — Uvalde schools will soon have a new layer of protection — an artificial intelligence system that can detect a gun in seconds and automatically trigger lockdown protocols.
The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District received a $400,000 Safe Haven Grant from Omnilert, the Virginia-based company that developed the technology. The district is the first in the nation to receive the grant.
“We have been talking for about the last year about wanting to get AI-powered technology gun detection and really just could not afford it,” said UCISD Superintendent Ashley Chohlis. “We’re very excited to add this extra layer of support and security.”
The AI software will be installed on all 550 of the district’s security cameras, which have been in place for several years. Two UCISD police employees currently monitor those cameras daily — but the AI system will act as an extra set of eyes, scanning footage around the clock.
How it works
Omnilert’s system uses visual recognition to spot a brandished weapon — whether real, replica or airsoft — and verify it within a fraction of a second. Once confirmed, police, staff and administrators are instantly notified.
“What type of weapon it is, where precisely it’s located, a short video and imagery around the person with the gun,” said Omnilert CEO Dave Fraser.
Chohlis said the entire process — from detection to sending a lockdown alert — can happen in as little as 10 seconds.
“Every second we can give our people to make good decisions about safety and security saves lives,” she said. “Whether it’s an active shooter or a rabid raccoon on the playground, we train our people to respond to emergencies quickly.”
Not facial recognition
Both Omnilert and district officials stressed the system does not use facial recognition or track biometrics.
“This system is designed not to alert unless there is a brandished firearm,” Fraser said. “That’s particularly important for open carry states.”
The technology has been on the market for about two years and is already integrated with more than 50 commercial security systems nationwide. According to Fraser, the AI has detected over 1,600 guns so far this year in places where they were not supposed to be.
“Many incidents, including Uvalde, have occurred in full view of security cameras but were never monitored,” Fraser said. “Artificial intelligence never gets tired, never goes on a lunch break.”
Classes began Wednesday
Chohlis, who has been with UCISD for nearly two years, said the three-year partnership with Omnilert adds value to the district’s existing security investments.
“It gives me peace of mind as the leader of the district that we’re doing everything we can for our staff, students and our parents to feel safe and secure on our campuses,” she said.
District officials expect the system to be operational within the next few weeks.