Chattanooga Schools May Test AI Software to Enhance Security Amid Rising School Threats

As threats to school safety rise across the nation, Chattanooga schools are considering a pilot program to enhance security using VOLT AI’s cutting-edge software. 

This technology could soon be tested at East Hamilton Middle and High Schools, where it would provide real-time threat detection and tracking capabilities for potential dangers like weapons or unauthorized individuals on school grounds. According to a report by News Channel 9, the program was introduced following recent incidents, such as the discovery of a gun at East Hamilton Middle School.

VOLT AI’s system integrates seamlessly with existing camera infrastructure, providing what Charles Anderson, a concerned parent from Hamilton County, calls “true situational awareness.” Anderson, who has two children enrolled in the district, became interested in the platform after a gun was found in a locker at East Hamilton Middle. “We have approximately 3,800 cameras, and there are not 3,800 eyes on those cameras at a school level,” he said. “Someone doesn’t even look at those camera feeds until something’s happened, and they use them for an archival purpose.”

VOLT AI aims to change that dynamic by automatically identifying potential threats and notifying school staff or law enforcement. The system continuously monitors camera feeds, tracking any suspicious activity without the need for human oversight. As Anderson noted, "Even if a human doesn’t see the threat, the AI will follow it and alert authorities and first responders."

Egor Olteanu, the founder and CEO of VOLT AI, explained, "Think of it as an artificial intelligence brain connected to a bunch of eyes. Those eyes are the school cameras. We overlay our cameras onto a live 3D model of the facility, allowing us to track any movement of a potential threat across multiple cameras without operator intervention."

Proactive Security Measures for Modern Schools

As more schools adopt Alyssa’s Law, which mandates silent panic alarms in states like New Jersey, Florida, and New York, the need for efficient, AI-driven solutions has become more pressing. VOLT AI not only helps schools comply with these requirements but goes beyond, offering real-time detection of dangerous situations. This proactive approach ensures that potential incidents are addressed before they escalate.

For instance, Prescott High School successfully implemented VOLT AI’s platform, leading to significant improvements in security response times. By integrating with existing camera systems, the school reduced the time to address threats from minutes to seconds—a level of efficiency that Chattanooga schools aim to achieve.

Jodi Schaffer, District 7 school board member, expressed her enthusiasm after Anderson introduced the VOLT AI platform to the Hamilton County School Board. “Wow, this is cutting-edge technology,” Schaffer remarked.

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“As a parent with a child in a school where a weapon was found, it’s near and dear to my heart to make sure that our children are safe and that we are exploring all things out there that could possibly increase safety measures."

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If approved, the pilot program at East Hamilton Middle and High Schools would set Chattanooga apart as a leader in school security.

Real-Time Threat Detection and Faster Response

One of the standout features of VOLT AI’s platform is its ability to track threats in real-time. Anderson emphasized how crucial this is, stating, “The technology can track where a person goes once it sees something wrong, such as a gun. Even if a human doesn’t see the threat, the AI will follow it and alert authorities and first responders.”

This real-time tracking has already proven effective in schools like Prescott High, where the system helped cut response times dramatically. The AI technology can track movements across multiple cameras, providing a comprehensive view of unfolding events to law enforcement.

AI as the Future of School Security

Beyond threat detection, VOLT AI’s software also excels in perimeter security. Schools that have implemented the technology report substantial improvements in tracking suspicious activity outside school grounds, such as unauthorized vehicles or individuals. By preventing threats from entering the campus, VOLT AI helps create a safer environment for students and staff.

Chattanooga Schools Setting a New Standard

By considering the adoption of VOLT AI’s security software, Chattanooga schools are poised to set a new standard for school safety. As Anderson said, “VOLT AI gives true situational awareness to both staff and law enforcement, should they have to enter school grounds.” Whether it’s monitoring potential weapons, enhancing perimeter security, or responding to medical emergencies, VOLT AI is a proactive solution for modern school challenges.

With successful implementations in schools like Prescott High, Chattanooga now has the opportunity to lead the charge in adopting AI-driven security measures. As more schools explore innovative technologies like VOLT AI, the future of school safety is becoming smarter and more efficient.