DALLAS () As students return to classrooms nationwide, a Texas company is aiming to revolutionize school security with high-tech drones capable of responding to emergencies in seconds.
got an exclusive look inside Campus Guardian Angels, which said its drones, flown by some of the world’s top-ranked pilots, can reach speeds of 100 mph.
Drones buy time for reinforcement
When an active shooter alarm is triggered, a commander uploads the school’s digital map and issues a flight plan. Pilots then launch the drones, which CGA said can reach any spot on campus in seconds.
“We’re trying to buy the time that it takes for a human to get there,” said Bill King, a retired Navy SEAL and CGA’s co-founder and chief tactical officer. “No matter where I find the assailant, I want to have a box that can reach him within 15 seconds.”
CGA’s goal is to respond to an alarm within five seconds, locate the shooter in 15 seconds, and neutralize the threat in 60 seconds.
3 Florida school districts using pilot program
Three school districts in Florida are implementing a pilot program this year, with several Texas schools also under consideration. Demonstrations have been held in Colorado and Utah.
The drones use non-lethal rounds, but in an emergency, the aircraft itself can disable an attacker, according to the company.
“It’s hard to put a price on the peace of mind that we’re creating here, and it’s impossible to put a price on somebody’s life,” King said.
