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College Community adds AI technology that uses school cameras to detect brandished weapons
More than 15 Iowa school districts have contracted with ZeroEyes to enhance safety and security
Oct. 28, 2025 4:56 pm
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CEDAR RAPIDS — The College Community School District is the latest Iowa school to contract with ZeroEyes, a security service that uses AI technology to detect weapons.
The addition of ZeroEyes complements the district’s proactive, multilayered approach to safety and security, according to a press release issued by the district on Tuesday. The district’s safety plan includes security cameras, secure building entrances, intercom systems, school resource officers — police in schools — a district-wide emergency response protocol and comprehensive threat assessments.
“The safety of our students and staff is our absolute highest priority,” College Community Superintendent Doug Wheeler said. “Contracting with ZeroEyes is a critical and proactive step that integrates cutting-edge AI technology into our already multilayered security framework. This addition significantly enhances our ability to detect potential threats and respond immediately, ensuring that our schools remain a safe place for learning. As a school district, we are constantly evaluating and updating its safety plans and security measures.”
The College Community school board approved a five-year contract with ZeroEyes on Feb. 17, according to board meeting minutes. It costs the district $34,800 a year, plus a $5,000 initial fee for onboarding in the first year, said Steve Doser, spokesman for the district.
Earlier this year, the Union Community School District entered into a five-year contract with ZeroEyes, joining more than 15 other school districts in Iowa that use the technology.
ZeroEyes aims to reduce response times and provide valuable situational awareness to the location of a threat, the gun type and a description of the perpetrator to first responders. This potentially could save lives in active shooter situations, company officials said.
Once the AI technology detects a weapon, the image is sent to ZeroEyes’ operations center, where a human can confirm whether a firearm is present.
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