Athena Security provides AI-powered weapons detection technology designed specifically for educational institutions now with Vape Detection. Our system screens for weapons and vapes while students enter school buildings at normal walking speed. Learn about entrance design for schools here.
Highlights:
High-throughput student screening with reduced wait times
AI assisted monitoring alerts personnel to potential attempts to bypass screening.
Designed to integrate with select security systems
Athena Security has protected educational institutions nationwide since 2018, deploying weapons detection systems across school districts from elementary campuses to high schools. We’ve installed 24 systems for Lamar Consolidated ISD. Chief of Police Henry A. Garcia confirms our platform helps his team “see and detect the things we’re not able to see with a naked eye.”
Our weapons detection system identifies and alerts on potential threats for operator review while allowing everyday items to pass through. Security personnel receive silent alerts with visual verification when potential threats are identified. Your security teams can focus on reviewing potential threats instead of managing false alarms from keys, phones, and medical devices.
Our weapons detection system uses computer vision and advanced AI to screen students, staff, and visitors for potential threat items as they move through designated entrances at normal speed. Schools use this technology to prevent potential threats from reaching classrooms without creating long lines and intrusive security measures that disrupt learning.
The platform detects both ferrous and non-ferrous weapons while distinguishing these threats from innocuous items students carry daily. When a potential threat is identified, security staff receive real-time alerts and review them to determine the appropriate response. Students never know when alerts occur, maintaining dignity and avoiding the stigma associated with overt security measures.
Our AI X-ray technology adds another layer of protection for schools that screen backpacks and personal belongings at entry points. The system uses computer vision to analyze X-ray images in real time, helping identify potential firearms, knives, ammunition, explosives, vapes, and other configured items hidden in bags.
The AI is designed to help distinguish harmless items like laptops and water bottles from potential security threats, helping reduce unnecessary alerts and assist operator review. School staff receive real time alerts when potential threats or prohibited items are identified, supporting prompt response.
Athena’s secondary screening weapons detection helps school security teams resolve alerts when a weapons detection event requires follow-up. The system gives staff a faster, less invasive way to screen bags, boots, and concealed items without relying on physical searches that can disrupt the school day or create uncomfortable student experiences.
Schools use secondary screening to support consistent response procedures at main entrances, athletic facilities, event checkpoints, and other high-traffic areas. The process helps security teams further evaluate potential threats, document follow-up activity, and maintain student dignity while keeping the screening process efficient.
You schedule a consultation, and we listen. Our specialists typically respond within 24 hours, depending on scheduling, to understand your school’s specific security needs, student population, entry point configuration, and budget parameters.
We visit your school to assess entry points, traffic patterns during arrival and dismissal, and integration with existing infrastructure. Your school day continues without interruption while we evaluate your security requirements.
You receive a detailed proposal with ROI projections, DHS compliance documentation, funding options including federal and state safety grants, and answers to all your questions before you commit.
We install during evenings, weekends, or school breaks so your educational program stays fully operational. Our team works to integrate with your existing security infrastructure, including select video management, access control, and emergency notification platforms; integration capabilities depend on the third party system and configuration.
Your security team gets comprehensive training on monitoring, real time alerts, and compliance procedures. On-site post-installation support and ongoing support availability vary by implementation and support agreement, helping your staff feel confident operating the system.
Educational institutions face unique security challenges like detecting not only weapons but also vapes which requires solutions designed specifically for school environments. Traditional metal detectors create bottlenecks that delay learning, while the prison-like atmosphere they project contradicts the welcoming community schools strive to build.
Costs vary based on your school size, number of entry points, and integration needs with existing infrastructure. We provide free security assessments to recommend the right solution for your budget. Athena can help schools evaluate potential operational efficiencies based on screening volume, staffing, entry points, and existing infrastructure. Certain federal, state, and local school safety funding programs may permit eligible security technology expenditures. Eligibility varies by program and applicant. We can help you navigate grant applications.
Athena’s platform is designed to support screening procedures aligned with applicable DHS best practices for school security. Our system works with multiple hardware options including Apollo, CEIA, Garrett, and Metrasens, plus AI X-Ray baggage screening, giving you flexibility in how you deploy. Our patented AI assisted evasion monitoring alerts personnel to potential attempts to bypass screening. Our technology screens students at normal walking speed without creating the prison-like atmosphere metal detectors bring to educational settings.
Athena is designed to integrate with select video management, access control, notification, and other security systems, including cameras, door locks, and alarm systems you may already have. Integration capabilities depend on the third party system and configuration. Many school districts complete integration without replacing current infrastructure.
Implementation timelines vary based on site requirements, number of entrances, integrations, permitting, hardware availability, and customer readiness. Where possible, we schedule installation during evenings, weekends, or school breaks to avoid disrupting instruction. On-site support after installation is available to help your security staff feel confident operating the system; its duration depends on the implementation package.
If your school currently uses traditional metal detectors that create bottlenecks, or if you rely solely on security personnel without technological support, a modern weapons detection system can add another layer to a school’s broader security strategy. Schools with multiple entry points, high student populations, or previous security incidents benefit most. State and local school safety requirements vary. Schools should evaluate applicable requirements when developing their physical security and entrance screening programs. Schedule a free assessment to evaluate your specific security gaps.
We provide comprehensive training for security teams, administrators, and school staff who interact with the system. Training covers monitoring procedures, responding to real time alerts, conducting secondary screening, and maintaining compliance documentation. Ongoing support is provided by our dedicated team; support hours, remote troubleshooting access, and on-site post-installation support depend on your service terms and implementation package. Follow-up training sessions can be scheduled as your staff changes.
Our passive screening is designed to support a streamlined school entrance screening experience. The system is designed to support a less intrusive entrance experience while allowing students to move through the screening area at a normal walking pace, without removing phones, laptops, or personal belongings, under appropriate operating conditions.
Our weapons detection technology is designed to help identify potential threats while helping reduce false positives compared to traditional metal detectors. The system draws on a large database of weapon signatures and continues to improve over time. Traditional metal detectors trigger alarms for any metal object, requiring manual screening that wastes security staff time and creates delays. Athena’s technology is designed to help distinguish potential threat items from common everyday objects and alert operators when additional review may be appropriate. No screening system is 100% accurate, including Athena’s weapons detection system; trained security personnel review alerts and determine the appropriate response.
Athena’s layered screening approach combines technologies designed for different threat types. The walkthrough WDS detects configured metallic threat items, while AI Assisted X-Ray can help operators identify potential metallic and nonmetallic threat items within bags.
Athena’s systems include privacy and security controls designed to support schools in meeting applicable privacy requirements, including FERPA where applicable. Athena’s concealed weapons detection system can be configured for K–12 environments without requiring student biometric identification. Images captured during threat detection are stored securely with access limited to authorized security personnel and automatically deleted after retention periods required for incident documentation. Schools should evaluate their configuration under applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
