A closer look: Wylie ISD demonstrates how AI security system keeps students safe
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – In response to devastating school shootings, Abilene school systems have beefed up security measures. Most notably is Wylie ISD’s enrollment into a newer system called Angel Protection. As it’s on path to be the first school in Texas to fully implement the system, Wylie held a demonstration on Tuesday, inviting officials from area schools and other local leaders to learn all about it.
Wylie ISD’s Assistant Superintendent Craig Bessent has an advantage to latest security technologies as he also serves on the board for the Texas school safety center.
“[It’s] Been an awesome experience for us just to look at different ways to make your district and campus safer. We’re ready to turn on the green light. We will be the first ones to implement it full time into our district,” shared Asst. Supt. Bessent.
Wylie ISD becomes first in Texas to test new alert surveillance system for rest of state
The Angel Protection system uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect intruders, weapons from long distances, facial recognition, and it can send all of that information to the appropriate authorities.
Wylie High began to pilot the system shortly after the horrendous 2022 Robb Elementary shooting, which has yielded success. There is only one other school to use this system, Kermit High, which enrolled last month.
“You’re trying to get that description, that immediate response from your local law enforcement whether that’s PD or the sheriff’s office. They can potentially get that alert as well as your administration,” Asst. Supt. Bessent explained.
Carlos Ortiz with Angel Protection told KTAB/KRBC the technology can help first responders find the active threat, which can be costly when it comes to a larger school district.
“This provides that image; a clear image to 9-1-1 to every first responder that is there. So, they’re going to know that they are wearing a black shirt and green pants. So, the cost is $1.00 per student. Depending on the size of the school, it can be expensive or relatively cheap,” said Ortiz.
More official information below:
That price point is a necessary service Wylie ISD is willing to pay for peace of mind in student safety. Especially now with a student enrollment of more than 5,000 students across the district.
“We have grant money available for that at the time, so that’s what we will use. It’s hard to do active surveillance all the time, and this does. It’s like having a thousand eyes on those cameras all the time,” Asst. Supt. Bessent expanded.
Peace of mind is a central pillar the school district said it can’t afford to go without.
Tony Lasseter, in charge of security for Abilene ISD, appeared at Wylie’s Angel Protection demonstration to learn more about the security program and see if it’s something AISD would be interested in implementing.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
