PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Using artificial intelligence to detect weapons brought into school is the topic of proposed legislation from two Pennsylvania lawmakers.
State Representatives Joe Hogan (R-142) and Shelby Labs ( R-143) are both planning to introduce legislation that would make it possible for both public and nonpublic schools to connect to the technology that involves using existing security cameras and monitoring systems on school grounds. The Representatives point to AI technology that can monitor video feeds to detect brandished firearms in real-time and then alert law enforcement and first responders.
They both note that the technology is already used in school districts around the commonwealth, as well as in Philadelphia in its SEPTA transit system and at Temple University.
In a written memo to House members, Hogan and Labs both point to a previous school shooting at Michigan State University in 2022, where police reportedly received over 2,000 reports within a short time, placing the shooter at multiple locations. A situation, they believe, would be eliminated by the use of AI giving real-time information to quickly stop the threat and protect lives.
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“At a time when every second matters, it is imperative that we equip our school districts and law enforcement agencies with the tools necessary to prevent and respond effectively to any active shooter incident,” Reps. Hogan and Labs said.
To stay up-to-date with the proposed legislation, click here.
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