TUPD experimenting with safety AI

The Troy University Police Department (TUPD) is testing out new ways artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to keep students safe.  

Over the break, TUPD Chief George Beaudry and his staff have been running tests with new software, Coram AI. Coram AI provides software that integrates with TUPD’s Avigilon camera system. 

The purpose of the tests is to see if the software can detect guns. 

“Currently, we’re testing several cameras at various locations throughout campus,” Beaudry said. “As long as it’s working properly, if the system recognizes what it believes to be a firearm, it’s going to generate a message that is sent to us. 

“Once we go fully online, we will have all our police officers as well as supervisory staff from the city police department will get the alert. If confirmed by us, the appropriate response to the alert will be made.” 

Dr. Jim Locke is the executive director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Education at the Sorrell College of Business. Locke applauds Beaudry’s efforts to use AI in security and says human verification is crucial. 

“School shooters generally walk in with their guns out,” Locke said. “In those cases, you would want the AI in the camera to immediately recognize the firearm, even if it’s a false positive. 

“If someone pulls out something that looks like a gun, people need to be warned. The AI has to be calibrated correctly for whatever the application is. 

“A human in the loop then needs to verify what the AI is flagging and decide if there is truly a threat.” 

Leigh Taylor, an Enterprise, Alabama, native and junior music education major, is skeptical of AI being used in surveillance.  

“I don't think that AI is a good thing in general,” Taylor said. “I think it's way too primitive for it to be used to detect guns. 

“Even in this scenario, there is human verification, but I’m still hesitant to say I’m comfortable with it.” 

Maximus DeMarco, a junior interdisciplinary major from Montgomery, Alabama, also has concerns about using AI in the university’s cameras. 

“I think it’s sketchy; I am not optimistic about this,” DeMarco said. “I think there is too much reliance on AI in many regards and it’s still a developing technology. 

“I don’t think AI should be implemented into something security. I think traditional methods of security are the move.” 

Despite student skepticism about AI being used to identify guns, Beaudry has faith in the software and believes it will help keep the campus safe. 

“We are cautiously optimistic based on early testing,” Beaudry said. “Right now, we are working with four cameras and seeing a 90 percent effective rate. 

“My goal is to work on getting the administration to provide the funds so we can expand. It’s all about licenses and how many you want to buy. 

“With the license we have, we will at least have these cameras for 4 years. In that time, we will be able to see if this system is a success or a failure. 

“Doing the trial-run that we are doing right now gives us the opportunity to show the administration the benefits of this system.” 

Beaudry expects the software to start being used in late January. Students with concerns or questions can call TUPD at (334) 670-3215.