Schools in three states are deploying drones equipped with pepper spray, strobe lights, and other features to stop active shooters within seconds. The drones, developed by Mithril Defense, will be used in schools in Colorado, Florida, and Georgia, marking the first time such technology has been used in the US. The goal is to locate and overwhelm an active shooter within 15 seconds, using a combination of sirens, strobe lights, and pepper gel.
The drones can zoom through school hallways at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour, guided by pilots at Mithril’s headquarters in Austin, Texas. As a last resort, the drones can ram the shooter at 60 miles per hour. The technology is part of a growing trend of schools investing in security measures, with American schools spending around $4 billion annually on physical security.
Pepper Spray Drones in Schools
Mithril CEO Justin Marston believes that every school should have an active-shooter suppression system, and that within five years, it will be unthinkable to send children to a school without such a system. The drones are housed in secure boxes inside the schools and can be deployed within seconds, potentially saving lives. School shootings have reached a peak of 352 incidents in 2023, with most incidents lasting only two to three minutes.
The use of drones in schools has sparked debate, with some experts arguing that addressing the root causes of violence is more effective than relying on technology. Jennifer DePaoli, a senior researcher at the Learning Policy Institute, emphasizes the importance of ensuring students’ psychological sense of safety, in addition to their physical safety. This includes providing mental health support, building trusting relationships between teachers and students, and creating positive school environments.
Implications and Concerns
The introduction of drones in schools has raised concerns among parents and experts, with some questioning the potential risks to children. The cost of the drones, around $20,000 per year, is less than hiring a security officer, but some parents have expressed concerns about the potential for accidents or misuse. As the use of drones in schools becomes more widespread, it is likely to spark further debate about the best ways to keep students safe.
The deployment of drones in schools is a significant development in the ongoing effort to prevent school shootings and protect students. As the US grapples with the complex issue of school violence, the use of technology such as drones is likely to play an increasingly important role in the search for solutions.
