ZeroEyes, known for its AI-driven visual threat intelligence platform, has partnered with High Tech High, a charter school network based in San Diego County, California, to bolster security measures against firearm threats.
This collaboration, aimed at safeguarding students, staff, and visitors, began integrating ZeroEyes' proactive AI gun detection and situational awareness software in September 2023. The initiative has since grown following positive reviews from parents and law enforcement bodies.
High Tech High's educational model
High Tech High operates 16 schools serving around 6,400 students, supported by approximately 1,000 staff members. The network is distinguished by its project-based learning approach, wherein teachers design curricula with student input. Schools are intentionally maintained as small, transparent spaces to enhance collaboration, visibility, and relationship-building.
"We have always believed that strong relationships are the key security measure," stated Isaac Jones, Chief Operations Officer of High Tech High. He emphasised that ZeroEyes allows the school to augment security without compromising its open campus environment, avoiding physical barriers like walls or metal detectors.
Enhancing situational awareness
ZeroEyes' software complements existing digital security camera systems
ZeroEyes' software complements existing digital security camera systems, identifying potential threats by detecting firearms. When a firearm is detected, images are sent to the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), a unique U.S.-based facility operated by veterans with military and law enforcement expertise.
Within 3 to 5 seconds of detection, detailed alerts—comprising visual descriptions, firearm type, and last known location—are promptly relayed to law enforcement and school authorities if the threat is validated.
Technology-driven safety measures
Beyond actual firearm detection, ZeroEyes' situational awareness features help mitigate non-lethal incidents, preventing unnecessary law enforcement involvement. For instance, the system recently identified a student with a plastic water gun on school grounds, a prohibited item. Following the incident, parent Ian Stone expressed his appreciation, noting, "I saw your response to the fake weapon the other day, and I was so impressed that you have that level of protection for my family and your students. I now know how serious you are about the safety of our kids."
Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes, praised High Tech High's strategy, noting, "High Tech High’s thoughtful approach shows that safety and culture are not mutually exclusive. We are proud to provide their network with proactive, technology-driven protection that supports, rather than disrupts, student-centered learning environments."
ZeroEyes, creators of the AI-powered visual threat intelligence platform, and High Tech High, a San Diego County, CA-based charter school network, release details of their ongoing collaboration to protect students, staff and visitors from gun-related threats.
High Tech High began its integration of ZeroEyes’ proactive AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software in September 2023 and has since expanded its deployment, based on positive feedback from parents and law enforcement.
Project-based learning model
High Tech High is a 16-school charter network serving approximately 6,400 students and employing roughly 1,000 staff members. Known for its project-based learning model, in which teachers craft curriculum in consultation with students, the network intentionally operates small schools with transparent, open spaces designed to foster collaboration, visibility, and strong relationships.
“We have always believed that strong relationships are the key security measure,” said Isaac Jones, Chief Operations Officer of High Tech High. “Our campuses are intentionally small and transparent, so students and staff can truly know and support one another. What I love about ZeroEyes is that it enables us to enhance security without putting up walls, installing metal detectors, or battening down the campus. We can provide additional protection while fully maintaining our culture.”
Intelligent situational awareness
ZeroEyes’ AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the industry’s only U.S.-based, fully in-house operations centre staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans.
If the threat is determined to be valid, alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — are dispatched to law enforcement and school officials as quickly as 3 to 5 seconds from detection.
Technology-driven protection
In addition to true gun detections, the situational awareness provided by ZeroEyes can help prevent non-lethal threats from escalating to law enforcement response. For example, ZeroEyes recently alerted school officials to a student wielding a plastic water gun, prohibited on campus grounds. Parent Ian Stone witnessed the incident and later stated, "I saw your response to the fake weapon the other day, and I was so impressed that you have that level of protection for my family and your students. I now know how serious you are about the safety of our kids."
“High Tech High’s thoughtful approach shows that safety and culture are not mutually exclusive,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “We are proud to provide their network with proactive, technology-driven protection that supports, rather than disrupts, student-centered learning environments.”
