Protecting Our Students
By Robert Jordan
JEFFERSON CITY, MO—@GovParsonMO recently vetoed a funding proposal to enhance school safety through advanced gun-detection surveillance systems. This move follows a similar decision by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, highlighting a growing hesitation among states to adopt this specific technology.
The vetoed initiative was part of Missouri’s state budget and would have allocated $2.5 million for public schools to implement video surveillance software capable of detecting firearms. This technology, developed by ZeroEyes—a company founded by military veterans in response to the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida—uses surveillance cameras and artificial intelligence to identify individuals carrying guns and immediately alert school administrators and law enforcement.
Governor Parson raised concerns that the funding proposal was tailored too specifically to fit a single vendor, potentially limiting competitive bidding by state purchasing laws. He emphasized the importance of adhering to these laws rather than endorsing a sole provider. Additionally, the governor cited budgetary constraints as part of his rationale for the veto, which included 173 line-item vetoes totaling about $1 billion, affecting various sectors.
This decision has ignited discussions on the balance between innovative #schoolsafety measures and fiscal responsibility. While states like Iowa, Michigan, and Utah have already implemented laws funding firearms detection technology in schools, Missouri’s cautious approach reflects growing budgetary pressures. #activeshooter
The conversation around #schoolsafety—a sector that has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry—is intensifying. States are diversifying their safety measures, including funding for mobile panic buttons for staff and digital mapping of school buildings to enhance emergency response times. #endgunviolence
Protecting Our Students, Inc. and SITE|SAFETYNET℠
Located in St. Louis, MO, Protecting Our Students, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating school shootings and enhancing the safety of K-12 educational environments. In conjunction with our proprietary service, SITE|SAFETYNET℠, we provide real-time cloud-based safety assessments and reassessments tailored to meet the unique needs of schools. Our mission is to create safe, secure learning environments through continuous improvement and innovation in school safety strategies. Overview Video [1 min]
As this issue continues to develop, it remains to be seen how Missouri and other states will navigate the complex interplay of safety, technology, and public spending. For more information on this topic and continuous updates, visit our website at SITE|SAFETYNET℠.
