They’re drones that are launched remotely, can break through windows, help clear classrooms and have an embedded speakerphone to communicate with teachers and police. All that before disorienting and incapacitating a potential school shooter in about a minute.
The tiny and quick drones are being deployed in an increasing number of school districts – part of a growing school security industry as parents and schools find new ways to protect students and staff from carnage.
Though it’s hard to put an exact figure on the industry, it’s estimated to be in the billions. Justin Marston, the co-founder and CEO of Campus Guardian Angel, says he estimates between $3 and $4 billion is spent annually on securing schools with tools such as his drones, school resource officers and metal detectors; the Urban Institute think tank estimated $2.62 billion was spent on school resource officers alone in 2023.
It’s all aimed at preventing the unique and devastating reality in the United States of shootings in schools.
Parents who lost children in mass shootings are driving awareness and helping push for improved security measures in schools to try to reduce the threat, and they’re part of the reason the school safety industry has grown to what it is today.
