ZeroEyes has announced that Eastern Michigan University (EMU) in Washtenaw County, Michigan, will deploy the company’s AI gun detection solution across its campus to protect students, staff and visitors from gun-related violence.

According to ZeroEyes, EMU is the first higher education institution in Michigan to adopt an AI gun detection solution.

ZeroEyes’ AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software will be layered on EMU’s existing digital security cameras.

If a gun is identified, images will instantly be shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained US military and law enforcement veterans.

If these experts determine that the threat is valid, they will dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence, including visual description, gun type and last known location, to local staff and the campus police force in as fast as three to five seconds from detection.

Throughout this process, ZeroEyes does not conduct any kind of facial recognition, eliminating the risk of bias based on skin color or other personal characteristics.

“The integration of ZeroEyes will continue Eastern’s commitment to providing a safe campus experience for all who study and work here,” said James Smith, President of EMU.

“Ensuring a secure, inclusive and open campus environment is an ongoing commitment by our Department of Public Safety (DPS) leadership and campus staff.”

Campus security

EMU has an 800-acre campus, with 14,000 students and nearly 2,000 employees.

ZeroEyes’ gun detection is the latest addition to an expanded, comprehensive and multilayered range of security measures the university has implemented to help ensure a safe community.

Other solutions include a hi-tech police dispatch center that monitors over 1,000 security cameras 24/7, key locks on classroom doors, newly installed over the summer with additional locks being added throughout the year, an emergency text alert system and residence hall key card entry for students.

“In the event of gun-related violence, the advance notice offered by ZeroEyes will provide our first responders with the opportunity to intervene proactively and potentially de-escalate the situation,” said Matthew Lige, Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police at EMU.

“It will also provide DPS staff the ability to notify the campus community with timely and accurate information in order to make informed safety decisions.”

“EMU’s dedication to the safety and welfare of its community is truly admirable,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO, and Co-Founder of ZeroEyes.

“By choosing to implement ZeroEyes technology, the campus is showcasing its unwavering commitment to establish a safe and trusted learning environment.

“We are proud to provide the first AI gun detection solution adopted by a higher ed institution in Michigan.”