TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Public Schools officials are seeking approval from the Board of Education of Baltimore County for a new $2.66 million contract spending authority for gun detection technology, according to Board member Julie Henn.
This contract will provide Omnilert Gun Detection software, monitoring, camera surveillance equipment, 24/7 support, and training for all schools. The system will be piloted at high schools followed by middle schools with the intent to complete rollout to the remaining schools by February 29, 2024.
The AI software used in the technology features a three-step verification process that recognizes a gun and provides constant video monitoring. The system is designed to alert [school] officials, police and other responders when a potential gun is detected.
Alerts are initially sent to a monitoring center for review, and are then shared by phone, email and text message notifications to designated school safety officials for response. The system also provides video, images and location details to first responders. It does not use facial recognition to protect the privacy of students and staff.
The contract will be presented to the Board on Tuesday, August 8, 2023.
Photo via Omnilert and PR Newswire
