Carbon Cliff-Barstow School District Implements ZeroEyes to Proactively Combat Gun-Related Violence

Illinois School Deploys AI-Driven Gun Detection Technology Adding Layer of Protection for Students, Staff and Visitors

PHILADELPHIA, March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ZeroEyes, the creators of the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the full U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, today announced that its proactive gun detection and intelligent situational awareness solution has been deployed by Carbon Cliff-Barstow School District (CCBSD) in Rock Island County, Illinois. The AI technology will be implemented at the district's Pre-K through 8th grade school to enhance security and reduce response times in the event of a gun-related threat.

The ZeroEyes Gun Violence Research Center has already analyzed 34 gun-related events at Illinois K-12 school districts this year alone. Recognizing the ongoing threat of gun-related violence, the district is taking an important step by integrating ZeroEyes' AI gun detection system to further bolster its security measures and protect against potential threats.

CCBSD maintains a comprehensive, multi-layered security program in partnership with the Rock Island County Sheriff's Department to ensure the safety of students and staff. Alongside the district's school resource officer, CCBSD has invested in a third-party monitored alarm system and recently upgraded its camera infrastructure. An on-site behavioral interventionist is also employed to build strong relationships with students and families.

"We take great pride in ensuring the safety and success of all students and staff members at our school," said Eric Lawson, Superintendent of CCBSD. "By incorporating ZeroEyes, we're adding another important layer of safety to our campus, and we're confident that this proactive approach will help us promote a safe learning environment."

CCBSD serves 240 students from diverse backgrounds in an urban area of northwest Illinois, part of the Quad Cities region. The district's mission is to prepare students to be academically successful and career-ready, foster a love for learning, and help students reach their full potential as confident, lifelong learners. The district's 40 staff members are dedicated to ensuring the safety and educational success of every student.

ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto CCBSD's existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the industry's only U.S.-based, fully in-house operation center, which is staffed 24/7/365 by military and law enforcement veterans. If these experts determine that the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — to first responders and local staff as quickly as 3 to 5 seconds from detection.

"The safety of students and staff is a priority for Carbon Cliff-Barstow, and we are honored to play a role in supporting that mission," said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. "Our AI gun detection system will provide the district with the actionable intelligence needed to mitigate potential threats, helping to ensure a safer environment for students and staff."

About ZeroEyes
ZeroEyes delivers a proactive, human-verified AI gun detection software solution that integrates into existing digital security cameras and helps to mitigate mass shootings and gun-related violence by reducing response times, providing actionable intelligence with images and delivering clarity among chaos — ultimately saving lives. ZeroEyes' patented solution has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a promising anti-terrorism technology and is the first video analytics technology to receive full SAFETY Act Designation.

Founded by Navy SEALs and elite technologists, ZeroEyes dispatches accurate and real-time actionable intelligence about the illegal brandishing of a gun near or in an occupied area or building, to local staff and law enforcement with an image of the shooter(s) and location of the threat, as quickly as 3 to 5 seconds from the moment the gun is detected.

The ZeroEyes team also provides tech consulting, installation assistance and practice drills for active shooter events to enhance safety at schools, corporate and government facilities. Headquartered in the Greater Philadelphia area, the company's affordable and effective gun detection solution has been adopted by the US Department of Defense, leading public K-12 school districts, colleges/universities, healthcare facilities, commercial property groups, manufacturing plants, Fortune 500 corporate campuses, shopping malls, big-box retail stores and more. Learn more about ZeroEyes at ZeroEyes.com.

SOURCE ZeroEyes