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AI-enhanced security is an example of how schools are spending security grants awarded following the 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School
AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
By Adam Beam
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
ATLANTA — Students have been turning to artificial intelligence to complete their assignments, confounding teachers who try to stay ahead of the technology. But school officials are turning to AI to improve campus security.
Some Atlanta public schools have started using AI to assess their security camera footage, prompting automatic alerts if the system detects a gun or other security threats.
It’s not just weapons, either. Some principals have experimented with technology that can detect vaping, Atlanta Public Schools Police Chief Ronald Applin said during an interview on the “Politically Georgia” podcast.
“We are doing any and everything we can to create a deterrence for any type of criminal activity on our school property,” Applin said.
AI-enhanced security is an example of how schools are spending the extra money lawmakers
gave them for school security grants
. The state Legislature approved the funding earlier this year in response to the school shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County last year.
Most Georgia students return to class next week.
Looking to navigate the complexities of grants funding? Lexipol is your go-to resource for state-specific, fully developed grants services that can help fund your needs. Find out more about our
grants services
here.
Hennepin Sheriff Dawanna Witt said the change will “embolden criminals” because charges will not be filed if gun or drug crimes are discovered during a low-level stop
Forensic analysis is still in its early stages, but agents believe nation-state actors used the system to send encrypted messages to organized crime groups, cartels and terrorist organizations
“[Your] lack of training blows my mind…I’m telling you how you’re supposed to do your job because you obviously don’t know,” the now-former Smithfield council member said
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