By Sean Grimm, US Country Manager at Ipsotek, an Eviden business
Strengthening security with existing infrastructure
For most school districts, the starting point is leveraging the camera infrastructure they already have. Where monitoring cameras are already installed across many campuses, AI-powered video analytics offers a relatively low barrier to entry without requiring a complete upheaval of existing security systems and replacing existing hardware.
Some of the most common use cases include threatening object detection, smoke and fire detection, perimeter intrusion monitoring, aggressive behavior detection and other real-time situational awareness capabilities.
Rather than simply recording footage for later review, video analytics enables schools to identify potential threats as they develop, analysing live video streams and alerting security personnel when predefined incidents occur. This allows staff and first responders to react much more quickly and eliminates the need for continuous monitoring of dozens or even hundreds of camera feeds at a time.
Measuring what matters
For institutions operating under budget constraints, demonstrating measurable value is essential. Here, the value of AI-powered video analytics lies in its ability to generate accurate, meaningful alerts rather than simply detecting activity.
When evaluating a solution to improve safety whilst working with limited resources, schools and colleges should consider several key questions that focus on outcomes, including:
- Does the platform generate alerts that are relevant and actionable?
- How frequently does it produce false positives?
- Are nuisance alarms creating unnecessary distractions for staff?
- Can operators quickly validate an event before responding?
Solutions that produce excessive false positives can create alarm fatigue, reducing trust in the system and potentially delaying response times when genuine incidents occur. For example, if a system repeatedly flags a student running across a playground as aggressive behavior, staff may become less responsive to future alerts.
By contrast, an effective solution improves response times while minimising unnecessary disruption. The goal isn’t to generate more alerts, but to deliver high-accuracy insights that enable security teams to direct their attention to where it’s needed most.
Balancing safety and privacy
Maintaining privacy continues to be one of the most important considerations for schools and universities, but particularly as AI adoption grows. These tend to center around two themes. Firstly, cloud video storage, where recorded footage is stored outside districts’ direct control, and secondly, facial recognition technology, which requires biometric databases capable of identifying specific individuals.
While security cameras have been used on educational campuses for years, it is important to acknowledge and address concerns from staff, students and parents, separating perception from the reality of how these technologies are deployed.
Video analytics does not change the fact that students are already being recorded by existing security systems. In many cases, the technology simply analyses video that is already being captured and alerts staff when predefined events occur. It also does not necessarily identify individuals or collect biometric information.
Schools and universities can improve campus safety while addressing privacy concerns by keeping video data stored on-premises and deploying analytics focused on behaviours and events, such as dangerous object detection, smoke, perimeter breaches or aggressive behaviour, rather than identity. Clear communication around how these systems work is essential.
Building smarter, safer campuses
Although video analytics is still an emerging technology within daily campus life, some learnings are beginning to surface.
Higher education institutions have generally been quicker to adopt these systems, particularly for perimeter protection, parking facilities, campus-wide situational awareness, and public safety operations. Many universities already operate dedicated police or public safety departments that can effectively respond to validated alerts.
K-12 adoption has progressed more gradually, largely due to budget constraints, privacy concerns and misconceptions about what video analytics actually does. As understanding of the technology improves, and districts become more familiar with its capabilities and limitations, the technology likely will be introduced not as a replacement for security personnel but as an additional layer within a broader security strategy.
From detection to response
The success of AI-powered video analytics depends on more than the technology itself. While computer vision can identify potential incidents in real time, human oversight remains critical. The most effective deployments combine automated detection with clearly defined response procedures, ensuring alerts are validated and the appropriate action is taken.
This human-in-the-loop approach helps prevent over-reliance on automation. AI can highlight where attention is needed, but trained personnel make the final decisions based on context. Establishing clear workflows for validating alerts, notifying the right teams, and coordinating responses is essential to ensuring these systems deliver meaningful outcomes.
As schools and universities continue to strengthen their security strategies, AI-powered video analytics will increasingly become one component of a broader, layered approach. No single technology can address every challenge, but combining existing security infrastructure, real-time analytics and effective operational processes can help institutions respond faster and more effectively.
Looking beyond security
While safety remains a key driver of adoption, the potential applications of AI-powered video analytics extend beyond threat detection. Educational institutions are increasingly exploring how existing camera infrastructure can support wider operational goals, including occupancy monitoring, traffic flow analysis, facility utilisation and campus management.
As AI capabilities continue to mature, schools and universities will likely discover new ways to use these systems to improve both safety and operational efficiency. The future of campus security will not be defined by technology replacing human decision-making, but by technology helping staff make faster, more informed decisions when they matter most.
Author Bio
As U.S. Country Manager at Ipsotek (an Eviden business, part of the Atos Group), I lead the North American expansion of award-winning video analytics and AI-driven security solutions. With over 25 years of experience in critical infrastructure, physical security, and smart surveillance, I help public and private sector organizations protect assets, ensure compliance, and gain real-time operational insights.
Across the United States, schools and universities are under growing pressure to create safer learning environments for students and staff, while balancing limited resources and rising privacy expectations.
Recent research found that only 56% of middle and high schoolers felt safe during the school day, meaning just under half are navigating education without the basic sense of security that learning and well-being depend on.
School shootings reached a record high in 2023, and whilst these tragic incidents continue to shape public debate, student and staff concerns also extend to more routine threats, such as bullying, violence, unauthorised access, vandalism and other day-to-day security risks.
As education institutions look for ways to strengthen security without overhauling existing infrastructure, AI-powered video analytics is emerging as a practical way to build a stronger, more integrated security posture that improves situational awareness, accelerates response times and supports safer, more resilient campuses that address physical and digital threats as one connected problem.
Techedge AI is a niche publication dedicated to keeping its audience at the forefront of the rapidly evolving AI technology landscape. With a sharp focus on emerging trends, groundbreaking innovations, and expert insights, we cover everything from C-suite interviews and industry news to in-depth articles, podcasts, press releases, and guest posts. Join us as we explore the AI technologies shaping tomorrow’s world.
