Eastern Michigan University adopts ZeroEyes’ AI gun detection solution

PHILADELPHIA, September 21, 2023 -- ZeroEyes, the creators of the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, today announced that Eastern Michigan University (EMU) in Washtenaw County, Mich., will deploy ZeroEyes’ solution across its campus to protect students, staff, and visitors from gun-related violence. EMU selected ZeroEyes following an extensive selection process and is the first higher education institution in Michigan to adopt an AI gun detection solution.

ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software will be layered on EMU’s existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images will instantly be shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans. If these experts determine that the threat is valid, they will dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence, including visual description, gun type, and last known location, to local staff and the campus police force in as fast as 3 to 5 seconds from detection.

Throughout this process, ZeroEyes does not conduct any kind of facial recognition, eliminating the risk of bias based on skin color or other personal characteristics.

“The integration of ZeroEyes will continue Eastern’s commitment to providing a safe campus experience for all who study and work here," said James Smith, President of Eastern Michigan University. "Ensuring a secure, inclusive, and open campus environment is an ongoing commitment by our Department of Public Safety (DPS) leadership and campus staff.”

Located in Ypsilanti, Mich., EMU has an 800-acre campus, with 14,000 students and nearly 2,000 employees. ZeroEyes is the latest addition to an expanded, comprehensive, and multilayered range of security measures the university has implemented to help ensure a safe community. Other solutions include a hi-tech police dispatch center that monitors over 1,000 security cameras 24/7, key locks on classroom doors, newly installed over the summer with additional locks being added throughout the year, an emergency text alert system, and residence hall key card entry for students.

"In the event of gun-related violence, the advance notice offered by ZeroEyes will provide our first responders with the opportunity to intervene proactively and potentially de-escalate the situation,” said Matthew Lige, Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police at Eastern Michigan University. “It will also provide Department of Public Safety staff the ability to notify the campus community with timely and accurate information in order to make informed safety decisions.”

“Eastern Michigan University’s dedication to the safety and welfare of its community is truly admirable,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO, and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “By choosing to implement ZeroEyes technology, the campus is showcasing its unwavering commitment to establish a safe and trusted learning environment. We are proud to provide the first AI gun detection solution adopted by a higher ed institution in Michigan.”