From facial recognition and AI-powered analytics to autonomous drones, emerging school safety technologies raise new questions about privacy, data use, governance, and oversight.

Over the past decade, many K-12 schools have invested in security technologies that were once considered emerging but are now commonplace, including access control systems, video surveillance, visitor management systems, panic alert technologies, weapons detection systems, and critical incident mapping. These technologies are one component of a layered approach to school safety that also includes positive school climate, behavioral threat assessment and management, strong relationships, and emergency planning.

Now, a new generation of school safety technology is beginning to emerge. While many of these technologies offer promising capabilities, their implementation also raises important questions about privacy, legal compliance, governance, data management, and community acceptance.

School safety leaders should evaluate not only what a technology can do, but whether it can be deployed responsibly, legally, and effectively.

To read the full article as published in School Security Leadership, click here.