Daytona Beach, Fla. — The Florida Department of Education has announced that Volusia County Schools is one of three districts chosen to participate in a groundbreaking pilot program designed to enhance school safety through drone technology. The initiative, developed in partnership with Campus Guardian Angel, a Texas-based company specializing in rapid-response drone systems, aims to protect students and staff during active shooter situations.
The Florida Legislature allocated $557,000 to fund the program, underscoring the state’s commitment to exploring innovative solutions to campus security. The pilot represents one of the boldest steps yet toward transforming how schools respond to emergencies.
Campus Guardian Angel’s system deploys remotely operated drones from secure locations across a school campus. In the event of an active shooter, the drones can launch within seconds and potentially engage a threat in under one minute. Equipped with less-lethal pellets, the drones are designed to distract, disorient, or incapacitate an assailant, providing critical time for law enforcement and school resource officers to intervene.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood submitted a letter of support for the program, highlighting the district’s history of successfully implementing advanced safety technology. “Together, Volusia County Schools and the Volusia Sheriff’s Office are continuously evaluating and pursuing the latest advancements in technology to enhance campus safety and protect lives,” the letter stated. Chitwood emphasized that the county’s track record makes it an ideal testing ground for the new system.
The sheriff also noted the importance of transparency and communication with parents and staff as the program is rolled out. “I would be proud to inform our residents, especially parents, that Volusia schools are the testing ground for innovative new safety technology,” he wrote. “We will work with the vendor through any complexities that arise, provide the resources necessary for the project’s success, give honest, real-time feedback, and ensure all parties work toward a successful outcome.”
Local officials praised the selection as a milestone in school safety. Volusia County Schools and the Sheriff’s Office will collaborate closely with Campus Guardian Angel and the state to implement the program, evaluate its effectiveness, and report findings that could shape future statewide adoption.
“This is about leading the charge in exploring new tools to protect our students, faculty, and staff,” Chitwood said. “There is no more important mission than the safety and security of our schools.”
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