Port Aransas ISD enhances safety by implementing ZeroEyes’ AI to detect firearms swiftly, aiming to protect students and staff amid rising security concerns.

PORT ARANSAS, Texas — AI is popping up everywhere, and now it’s making its way into local schools like Port Aransas ISD to help keep students and staff safe.

ZeroEyes’ AI firearm security system is designed to detect a firearm on campus.

The technology has been around since 2018 and is now used in 45 states and internationally. Even Corpus Christi ISD has been using it since 2022.

Port Aransas ISD Superintendent Dr. Sharon McKinney said protecting everyone on campus is a priority.

“Our motto here at Port Aransas ISD when it comes to safety and security is that we’re prepared, not paranoid,” McKinney said.

JT Wilkins, head of sales for ZeroEyes, said the advanced AI technology has been keeping many school districts safe since the Parkland shooting.

“So by pairing the AI onto the existing camera, we’re solving a large problem: utilizing those cameras proactively instead of from a reactive standpoint,” Wilkins said.

Wilkins said the system quickly detects threats and alerts officials.

“The system’s asking one question 24/7, 365 days a year: Is there something that appears to be a firearm within the frame of this image? If there is, it’s going to flag that for inspection. It’s going to send that to our 24/7 manned operations center. Everyone that sits in those seats is either former military or law enforcement with some type of threat and weapons training. They’re going to look at that and determine, through human verification, whether this is a gun. If it is, they’ll make a determination to send that information to law enforcement,” Wilkins said.

Port Aransas Police Chief James Stokes said every minute matters, and this system could save lives.

“It’s designed to give early warning detection if a firearm is detected anywhere in the footprint where cameras are located. Any time we can get real-time verified information, it makes our response a lot more efficient and a lot quicker,” Stokes said.

Steve Reaves, PAISD athletic director and head of safety for the school district, said this is an additional security measure.

“We’re constantly doing things to enhance our security, from putting up the fence that we have in place to the shatterproof film on all of our doors, on all exterior windows, the double-entry doors—everything that we’ve been doing,” Reaves said. “We’re constantly trying to be proactive, and this just seemed like the right time to add this to our system to help make sure students and staff are safe.”

Now that AI is everywhere, Stokes said it’s important to put it to use.

“AI is everywhere. I had an opportunity to sit in on some demos when they were evaluating the software and ask questions, and it was very impressive,” Stokes said. “The software seemed to work really well. They have some very good reviews and customers who are satisfied with the product, so I’m happy the school district is deploying it here.”

But does it work? Wilkins said it makes a difference.

“Our system detects firearms every single day. It has resulted in dozens of arrests over the past year,” Wilkins said. “We’re seeing guns every day under camera. Often, our customers don’t even realize these things are happening on their campus until they bring ZeroEyes on board, and we’re able to identify the potential threat.”

Dr. McKinney said the system will help keep everyone safe.

“Our schools really are the hub of the community here in Port Aransas ISD,” McKinney said. “We have a lot of events here, so this works 24/7—not just during the school day, but during games or other community events. It seemed like a good fit for our community.”

Dr. McKinney said the system is expected to be fully installed in the coming weeks.