These capabilities are due in large part to AI features in the cameras and software. (Be aware of face recognition technology laws in your state before implementing these tools.)
Access Control
Think about the layout and operational complexity of a public high school.
“A high school is a living, breathing being that’s open almost 24 hours a day and 7 days a week,” Krause said. “It’s one of the most complex systems outside of a hospital.”
The sheer number of doors in a school, including interior and exterior access points, can pose a security challenge. School safety leaders must stress the importance of keeping those doors closed.
DISCOVER: Modern visitor management systems keep K–12 schools safer.
Many access control systems currently put the onus on school front office staff to let the right people access the building, and while it can be hard to implement a new access control system due to pushback from users, it takes liability off front office staff in the event of an emergency. AI can help staff quickly determine whether someone is not supposed to be there — such as a suspended student or a guardian without permission to pick up a child — if they’re lying about their identity or if they’re listed in any databases that would prohibit them from accessing the building.
“We need to take away the liability and the guilt by using technology,” Krause said.
Environmental Sensors
Environmental sensors boost school safety in all of the areas without cameras. This can include school bathrooms, locker rooms in a gymnasium or anywhere else that needs extra protection.
Today, these sensors can detect smoking and vaping, and some can even use AI to pick up on aggressive behavior in the form of audio cues.
Alert Systems
Alert system technology has also evolved, in part because communications technology has improved but also thanks to mandates such as Alyssa’s Law, which require silent alarms in schools. As of now, seven states have passed Alyssa’s Law or variations of it. It’s been introduced in far more states. “It’s important to know what’s coming down the road,” said Tom Ashley, CDW education strategist, who presented with Krause at CoSN 2025.
Not only can alert systems notify law enforcement or send mass messages about incidents, they can also trigger automated lockdown procedures. This can save lives when every second counts.
LEARN MORE: What is the Incident Command System, and how does tech support it?
Implement New School Safety Technologies Strategically
One of the challenges of bringing in new technologies is the risk of creating overly complex systems. As you collect layers of protection, you need to ensure that they work together. Some older systems won’t integrate with modern AI and other technologies, so plan investments carefully.
Schools also need to consider challenges such as data privacy and protecting their systems from threat actors that could hack into cameras or steal security data.
IT and safety leaders should work together to raise awareness of any new technologies and help staff and students overcome adoption barriers.
“Get support before you’ve had an event,” Krause said.
He and Ashley shared three action items for CoSN 2025 attendees to take back to their schools:
- Leverage expertise: K–12 IT leaders “have a lot going on and wear a lot of hats, so they can’t be experts in everything,” Ashley said. Choose partners with the right expertise and make those connections before your school experiences an incident.
- Create a school safety committee: A committee can go to schools to identify gaps in its physical security. Members can see if doors are propped open or whether they can explore a school without an ID. “Having someone intentionally responsible for these things is really important,” Ashley said. “We can’t all do it in isolation.”
- Develop one-, three- and five-year plans: Planning always seems to get put on the back burner, but it’s important, Ashley said. “Do the plan, monitor the plan and adjust the plan as needed,” he added.
In all of these initiatives, AI is a partner and not a replacement. Human instincts, knowledge bases and actions will continue to be important.
“There’s a lot of work we need to do, but there’s also hope,” Krause said. “You don’t hear about the prevention that was successful.”
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