South Pittsburg High School Uses

Hanwha Cameras in AI-Based

Weapons Detection System

“The picture quality of Hanwha Vision cameras far exceeds the competition. We also like the ease of set up and the price point.”

— Tory Smith, Director of technical operations at MCW/Diversified

♦ Challenge

Located in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, South Pittsburg High School (SPHS) recently expanded and enhanced its video security system using Hanwha Vision cameras and an AI-based weapons detection system called ZeroEyes.

For Principal Tim Bible, the security of SPHS is deeply personal. As a former student of the school, Bible was a senior in 1985 when a student entered the school and shot a teacher. It’s something that he thinks about nearly every time he walks in the building.

Designed to help identify threats before they become violent, ZeroEyes’ technology integrates with an organization’s existing security cameras and works with security professionals and law enforcement to close the crucial seconds needed to keep people safe.

After assessing the existing school video security system, it was clear that the school would need to upgrade to a high-quality, digital IP-based video security system to be able to give the weapons detection system the resolution required for maximum accuracy. Diversified Systems, a New Jersey-based media technology and integration company, was retained to do the design and integration work while Nashville-based South Western Communications (SWC) was selected to do the physical installation of the Hanwha cameras and supporting infrastructure.

♦ Solution

The first system of its kind in the state, the ZeroEyes system analyzes video footage from surveillance cameras placed strategically around the school. ZeroEyes’ platform has been trained to recognize and identify any type of gun and rapidly alert authorities before a shot is ever fired. If a gun is detected, the system immediately sends a video feed and identifying data to the ZeroEyes command center where it http:// is analyzed by highly-trained operators to quickly verify the credibility of the threat. If credible, 911 is called to dispatch first responders while messages and calls are placed to the SRO (school resource officer), principal and any other personnel on the notify list.

During phase one of the installation which concluded with a comprehensive simulation and drill involving multiple agencies, 10 Hanwha Vision cameras were chosen for their ability to provide the best possible video quality in all lighting conditions. The Diversified team chose a selection of Hanwha Vision cameras including PNM-9000VQ multi-sensor cameras for maximum quality exterior and perimeter coverage including the parking lot, and QND-6082R dome cameras for interiors and hallways. QNO-8080R bullet cameras were used outside on the school’s entrance bridge area.

♦ Result

“The system was extremely well received by all of the police departments that were able to attend the drills. Everyone was impressed with how the Hanwha cameras were able to clearly see the weapons and simulated assailants, and how accurate ZeroEyes’ AI weapons detection system was in its ability able to detect, validate and quickly communicate the threat. It was a great success for all involved,” said Tory Smith, Director of technical operations at MCW/Diversified.

“The picture quality of Hanwha Vision cameras far exceeds the competition. We also like the ease of set up and the price point,” said Smith. “It’s important to us that Hanwha entirely controls the quality of its cameras. They build everything themselves. We also like the fact that there are no Chinese parts in them, especially in this day and age. It’s a very simple decision to make when we have a price-conscious customer.”

Being prepared for a school shooting is not an exercise that anyone enjoys, but for SRO Price and principal Bible, it gives additional piece of mind to know they’re doing all they can for their school. Day to day, the new cameras are going to provide the staff with the ability to better manage the school grounds to keep students honest, accountable and respectful of each other. “I’m looking at the cameras right now and it’s like the difference between standard definition and high definition of watching a ball game,” says Bible. “The image quality coupled with a proactive solution to detect weapons, makes us truly feel that we’ve invested in the highest level of security to keep our students and staff safe.”