Drones may enhance security in Dallas-area schools

In North Texas, a demonstration of drone technology dedicated to enhancing school security took place recently at an elementary school in University Park. The event was organized by the security company Campus Guardian Angel, showcasing their innovative tools designed to tackle active shooter situations. The demonstration featured drones capable of navigating through complex environments like stairs and hallways, and equipped to drop deterrent measures such as pepper spray and flashbangs. Company CEO Justin Marston emphasized the importance of rapid response capabilities, detailing how teachers can signal for help using an app or silent panic button. The system aims for a response time of five seconds, with a focus on locating and neutralizing threats within 15 seconds of the activation of the security protocol. Attendees included local security officials, such as Highland Park ISD Police Chief Mark Rowden, who expressed interest in the potential applications of this technology in improving school safety. The drone program was inspired by the pressing need for effective solutions following tragic incidents like the school shooting in Uvalde and ongoing conflicts like the war in Ukraine. Currently, one Texas school district has decided to adopt the security system, which incurs a cost of $4 per month per student after the initial equipment purchase. The drones can break windows and are designed to work collectively, ensuring additional drones can be deployed quickly to manage threats effectively. The company plans to visit more school districts across the state to assess their interest in adopting these advanced security measures aimed at preventing violent incidents in educational settings.