A Tallahassee high school is set to become the first in the nation to deploy a new security system that uses AI gun detection, 3D mapping, and drones to help identify and respond to threats in real time.
Amos P. Godby High School will implement the RADAR (Real-time Alert, Detection and Response) system this year and plans to demonstrate the technology during a two-day school safety summit this summer.
“Amos P. Godby High School’s deployment of RADAR marks a historic step forward in school safety,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and cofounder of ZeroEyes. “This integrated and innovative approach further demonstrates how utilizing a multilayered technology solution can protect students and staff more effectively, setting a new standard for safety nationwide.”
On June 17 and 18, Campus Guardian Angel, ZeroEyes, Ark Strategic, and Leon County Schools will be hosting a summit at the school with demonstrations and discussion sessions surrounding the technologies, including insight from school leaders on the district’s successful deployment.
LCS officials say three firearms were seized from students at Godby High School during the 2025–26 school year, underscoring ongoing concerns about campus safety. Weapons were not discovered by ZeroEyes, since they were not brandished. Most were discovered by school administrators and campus deputies after they received a tip of a weapon on campus.
“ZeroEyes Al gun detection and Ark Strategic’s 3D mapping solution, combined with Campus Guardian Angel, represent the cutting edge of school security in the United States,” said Jimmy Williams, LCS chief of safety and security.
The Florida Department of Education will cover the cost to launch the program, which is $557,000, so it won’t cost the district.
The system will be monitored by the three partnering companies from their headquarter locations and they will communicate with the local law enforcement agencies when addressing a threat detection.
The district partnered with ZeroEyes in 2024. It uses AI and existing security cameras to detect firearms. When a gun is identified, trained security experts verify the threat and alert law enforcement and security teams within seconds, providing key details such as the firearm type, suspect description and location.
Ark Strategic’s 3D mapping technology combines detailed indoor and outdoor mapping to provide real-time operational intelligence. When integrated with ZeroEyes AI threat detection, it helps first responders locate critical areas, improve situational awareness, and respond to threats more quickly and effectively according to Campus Guardian Angel representatives.
“At Ark Strategic, our mission is to turn the entire campus into actionable intelligence,” Ark Strategic Founder Chris Yellina said. “With inside-and-out coverage, responders have a clearer picture of the environment before they ever make entry.”
When a threat is detected, the system pinpoints the exact camera location on a 3D map, helping responders quickly find the area of concern. The cloud-based platform requires no local installation and provides interactive maps showing camera locations, coverage areas, and blind spots, giving security teams the information they need to respond effectively.
Also, when a threat is detected or a panic button is activated, Campus Guardian Angel launches non-lethal drones within seconds. The drones track the suspect, provide real-time situational awareness, and help slow the individual, giving first responders more time to act and helping improve safety for students and staff.
The program, according to state officials, “uses drones to distract active shooters while providing real-time audio and video feeds to guardians and law enforcement during potential threats on school campuses.” While the announcement didn’t elaborate on how the drones distract shooters, media reports have said the each drone is equipped with a siren, strobe lights, pepper balls and smoke bombs.
The drone testing program will be rolled out for Leon, Broward and Volusia counties.
“Ensuring students and teachers have a safe and secure learning environment is one of my top priorities as a commissioner. Florida remains the national leader in school safety because we continue to invest in solutions that protect students and support a rapid, coordinated response,” said Florida Department of Education Commissioner Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas when announcing the program late last year. “The Guardian Angel Program is an important step in expanding the safety tools available to our districts.”
Alaijah Cross covers children & families for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at abrown@tallahassee.com.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Godby High first in nation to use AI, drones, 3D mapping for school safety
Reporting by Alaijah Cross, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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