Armed drones that can neutralize shooters in schools within seconds are being tested in several districts in Florida (USA).
According to a report by The New York Post, the drones were developed by the Texas-based company Campus Guardian Angel.
They say the exact districts where the drones will be deployed will be selected by the Florida Department of Education.
Public schools in Miami-Dade County, the largest district in the state, have already shown interest in participating and conducted tests on a campus in July, according to CBS News.
The drones, which will be stored in secure charging boxes at participating schools, will be operated by FAA-certified pilots located in Texas.
But each drone can be activated by school staff on-site through a silent alarm or “other mechanisms,” according to Campus Guardian Angel.
Each drone is equipped with a two-way communication system, alarms, and non-lethal pepper spray projectiles. The drones can also break windows “to create distractions,” the company stated.
It’s important to note that drones are not simply deployed after activation. The “company commander” is responsible for issuing a flight plan and working together with school staff and police authorities before acting.
Once activated, the drone will send video footage to authorities to help coordinate entry points and ultimately track anyone threatening the school.
“In a school shooting, most deaths occur within the first 120 seconds, so what really matters is how quickly you can get to the scene to confront the shooter,” said Justin Marston, founder and CEO of Campus Guardian Angel, to CBS News.
A box containing six drones would cost about \$1,000 per month for every 500 students, plus a \$15,000 purchase fee. According to the company, some schools may need three to fifteen boxes depending on the number of students.
Photo and video: Campus Guardian Angel. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
