Eastern Michigan University (EMU) has become the first higher education institution in the state to utilize technology across campus by ZeroEyes, the only AI- (artificial intelligence) based gun detection video analytics platform.
EMU announced the news on Thursday, pointing to the project as a way to help protect students, staff, and visitors from gun-related violence. The decision follows a disturbing rise in mass shootings in recent years throughout the country, including two in Michigan since late 2021, one of which resulted in three student deaths and five injuries at the nearby Michigan State University in February.
The AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software will be connected to EMU’s existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images will be shared instantly with the ZeroEyes Operations Center, which is staffed all day 24/7 by U.S. military and law enforcement veterans.
If the threat is determined to be valid, a dispatch of alerts and actionable intelligence, including a visual description and last known location of the suspect, as well as the gun type, will be shared with local staff and the campus police force.
The company was established in 2018 by military veterans and technologists who were compelled to develop solutions to mass shooting incidents after seeing tragedies like Sandy Hook and Parkland. ZeroEyes does not conduct facial recognition, eliminating the risk of bias based on skin color and other personal characteristics, the university press release includes.
“The integration of ZeroEyes will continue Eastern’s commitment to providing a safe campus experience for all who study and work here,” said EMU President James Smith. “Ensuring a secure, inclusive, and open campus environment is an ongoing commitment by our Department of Public Safety (DPS) leadership and campus staff.”
A Q&A posted by EMU about the company and technology can be found here.
