Florida tests drones in schools to stop shootings

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(The Center Square) - A taxpayer-funded program to test whether drones can ward off school shooters is set to launch in three Florida districts by the beginning of next year. 

The Florida Legislature approved $557,000 to fund the pilot program in Broward, Leon and Volusia school districts. 

Campus Guardian Angel, an Austin, Texas-based company running the program, uses non-lethal drones equipped with sirens, pepper spray and other devices to try to distract shooters and prevent them from hurting anyone, according to the company. The drones are remotely operated and designed to confront active shooter threats, the company said.

They also provide real-time audio and video feeds to law enforcement during potential threats on school campuses, the Florida Department of Education said.

The drones do not have guns; the company said those could increase the risk of bullets passing through walls and injuring or killing bystanders.

Campus Guardian Angel said it is working with the three districts to install drone service and other infrastructure, and estimates the program will be operational by the beginning of 2026.

The program is part of $1.3 billion Florida is investing in school safety, the education department said.

Lawmakers have passed a slew of school security bills in recent years. They would require instruction on assessing behavioral threats, a mobile panic alert system, increased access control requirements for gates and doors, clearly marked safe shelter areas and more, according to the education department.

Florida has seen at least 33 school shootings since 2008, according to a CNN analysis of numbers reported by the Gun Violence Archive.