Unmanned Drones May Boost School Security

Highland Park ISD Seeks Advanced Surveillance Tools

Highland Park ISD in the Dallas area has seen firsthand the importance of staying at the forefront of security measures to keep students safe. The district’s police chief, Mark Rowden, believes that drones equipped with cameras and speakers could play a vital role in enhancing school security. A demonstration of Campus Guardian Angels’ (CGA) drones was recently conducted at University Park Elementary school in Highland Park ISD. The event was organized by Rowden, who requested the demo to assess the potential benefits of this innovative technology.

1. The drones, which cost $15,000 for a box of six, plus $4 a student, can be equipped with various tools to deter an armed shooter, including a loud, firecracker-like distracting bang and pepper spray.
2. The drones are designed to be remote-controlled and can be piloted by trained experts, providing situational awareness and allowing for quick responses to potential threats.
3. The drones can also serve as a distraction, making it difficult for an attacker to focus on the students and teachers.

“Campus Guardian Angels’ drones offer a viable alternative for districts that struggle to find and pay for armed campus officers,” said Justin Marston, co-founder of CGA. “Our drones can provide immediate situational awareness, allowing us to respond quickly to potential threats.”

Key Features

• Remote-controlled drones

• Equipped with cameras and speakers

• Can be equipped with a loud, firecracker-like distracting bang and pepper spray

• Can serve as a distraction, making it difficult for an attacker to focus on the students and teachers

• Can be piloted by trained experts, providing situational awareness and quick responses to potential threats

House Bill 3 and the Waiver Process

In 2023, the Texas state legislature passed House Bill 3, which requires an armed officer on every Texas campus. However, some districts have requested waivers, known as good cause exceptions, due to financial constraints.

1. House Bill 3 provides funding of $15,000 per campus and $10 per student for armed campus officers.
2. The waivers are granted to districts that demonstrate a good cause for not meeting the requirement.
3. Some districts have requested waivers due to the high cost of hiring and maintaining armed guards.

CGA’s Response and Future Plans

Campus Guardian Angels has responded to the need for enhanced security measures by developing its drone system. The company’s drones are designed to be affordable and effective, with a price tag of $15,000 for a box of six, plus $4 a student.

1. CGA’s drones can respond to potential threats in 5 seconds, confront the shooter in 15 seconds, and degrade or incapacitate the shooter in 60 seconds.
2. The drones can be equipped with various tools, including a loud, firecracker-like distracting bang and pepper spray.
3. CGA’s drones are piloted by trained experts, providing situational awareness and allowing for quick responses to potential threats.

Senate Bill 462 and Future Developments

House Bill 462 aims to increase funding for armed guards and make remote-human-operated aerial devices an option for districts to be eligible for funding. While the bill has not received a committee hearing, CGA’s drones have already shown promise in various districts.

1. Senate Bill 462 would increase funding for armed guards and make remote-human-operated aerial devices eligible for funding.
2. CGA’s drones have already been tested in some Florida districts and in Boerne ISD, near San Antonio.
3. The company is willing to demonstrate its drones in other districts, as requested by lawmakers.

Conclusion

The use of drones in schools is a rapidly evolving field, with various companies and districts exploring the potential benefits of this technology. Campus Guardian Angels’ drones have shown promise in enhancing school security, providing situational awareness and quick responses to potential threats. While there are still challenges to be addressed, the use of drones in schools may prove to be an effective solution in the fight against school violence.