Demonstration at Aurora high schools shows drone technology aimed at stopping school shooters

AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) — New safety technology is potentially coming to schools in the metro area that uses drones to locate school shooters in a matter of seconds.

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That technology was demonstrated on Thursday by the company behind the idea, Campus Guardian Angel. They show it would work in an active shooter situation at Regis Jesuit High School. This was their first demonstration in Colorado.

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President and CEO Justin Marston says it would only cost a few dollars a month for every student for what they call life-saving technology.

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“What we’re showing here today is drones that are used in school safety; they have a less lethal effect on them. Our goal is to stop kids being killed through gun violence in schools,” Marston said shortly before the demonstration.

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The drones would be stationed in schools on standby, ready to fly in case of emergency, a layer of safety without a human life attached to it. Once first responders arrive on scene, the drones are able to clear a room before officers go in.

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Speakers on the drone also allow remote operators with Campus Guardian to speak with those responders directly on scene. Non-lethal effects, like pepper balls, are attached to incapacitate the attacker.

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“We don’t think that a police officer should have to unnecessarily risk their life running a room with a lunatic with a gun and hope to try and shoot them first. We go in first, they can open the doors for us and share situational awareness with them,” Marston said.

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Campus guardian hopes their drones never see action. But know this added layer is something they feel could save lives and give peace of mind. Something President of Regis, David Card, says he’s excited to have been demonstrated Thursday. I am just really grateful that there are people thinking particularly about the safety of students in schools and coming up with ways that really decrease the chances that students and first responders would get hurt.

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Card says they are still learning about this technology before it will be implemented. Campus Guardian says they are also in talks with other school districts in the metro area.

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