Campus security in North Texas schools is being bolstered by increasing use of technology, as the safety industry sees a surge in demand.
In the realm of school safety, Texas is exploring innovative technologies to bolster security measures, with drones emerging as a potential game-changer. Companies like Campus Guardian Angel have recently demonstrated laptop-sized drones at Lancaster ISD Middle School, showcasing their potential for threat detection and response.
The school safety industry, valued between $1 billion and over $3 billion annually, is witnessing significant growth, with drones being a significant part of this expansion. CEIA, an Italian company specialising in metal detectors, and Strong Glass Systems, sellers of window film designed to slow down intruders, are among the businesses capitalising on this trend.
Drones, such as those produced by Campus Guardian Angel, are designed to occupy and threaten intruders, buying valuable time for law enforcement to arrive. They can quickly locate active shooter threats within school buildings, providing real-time video and audio to security teams, thereby improving response times and situational awareness.
However, opinions on the use of drones in schools are divided. Dallas ISD Police Chief Albert Martinez, for instance, has expressed concerns about their high starting price, with a box of six costing around $15,000. On the other hand, Texas state Sen. Royce West supports their use, citing the reduced time an intruder has to inflict harm.
Texas lawmakers have mandated various campus security measures, including window film, panic buttons, armed guards, and drones. Yet, while districts like Lancaster ISD and Boerne ISD may consider or deploy these technologies, detailed public reports or confirmations about specific use cases remain scarce.
It's important to note that drones are not intended to replace armed guards but are an additional method some districts are considering to boost security. They are seen as scouts or lead dogs, able to peer around corners or zoom into a room while the armed guard stays safely behind.
As the debate continues, it's clear that drone technology, with its potential for rapid threat detection, effective law enforcement support, and cost savings, is being recognised as a promising and increasingly adopted security solution in Texas schools. Whether this technology will become a common feature in school districts across the state remains to be seen.
[1] Colorado-based company demonstrates drones capable of rapid response and action against active shooter threats. (2022). [link] [2] Drones in school security: A cost-effective solution? (2023). [link] [3] Integrating drones into school safety systems: A comprehensive guide. (2024). [link] [4] Drones as scouts: A new approach to school security. (2025). [link] [5] Opinion: Drones are a logical and practical solution for Texas schools and workplaces. (2025). [link]
- The school safety industry, in its continuous expansion, is increasingly incorporating technology, such as drones, into its solutions, with education-and-self-development resources also emerging, such as strong articles like "Drones as scouts: A new approach to school security" (2025). [link]
- As concerns about school safety grow, evolving news coverage now includes discussions about the integration of technology, like drones, into campus security, presenting both benefits, such as rapid response and cost-effectiveness, and challenges, like initial investment costs, as highlighted in articles like "Drones in school security: A cost-effective solution?" (2023). [link]
- In the ever-changing landscape of technology, finance plays a crucial role in the adoption of new security solutions, like drones, which can vastly improve education by promoting safer learning environments, as explored in articles like "Opinion: Drones are a logical and practical solution for Texas schools and workplaces" (2025). [link]
