A Central Florida school district has been selected for a new drone program targeting school safety.
On Monday, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office announced the district’s partnership with a Texas-based company, Campus Guardian Angel, focused on protecting students and staff during active shooter situations.
The Florida Legislature allocated more than $550,000 for the program, according to a press release from the VCSO.
The Campus Guardian Angel system deploys non-lethal drones within seconds after an emergency alert.
It provides real-time video to law enforcement, uses other deterrents like flashing lights and comes equipped with pepper-spray bullets.
“There is no more important mission than the safety and security of our schools, and the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and Volusia County Schools are eager to work with the state of Florida and Campus Guardian Angel to lead the charge in exploring new tools to protect our students, faculty, and staff,” Sheriff Mike Chitwood said.
Drones will be stored on campus and could respond in as quickly as 15 seconds.
The program’s implementation begins early 2026, with the company working closely with Volusia County Schools officials and law enforcement to integrate the system within existing safety protocols.
A successful pilot program could lead to a statewide extension.