I-Team finds out what technology is being used in NC schools, nationwide to keep children safe

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- ABC11 is getting answers about whether the technology school districts nationwide are spending millions of dollars, in the interest of safety, to keep children safe.

The ABC11 I-Team is partnering with the ABC News Investigative Unit to dig into the multibillion-dollar industry of school safety technology, and is checking with school districts in North Carolina to see what tools they're using to keep children safe.

Protecting students in the Bull City

Eva Howard is the Durham Public Schools (DPS) Executive Director of Safety, Security, & Emergency Management. She sat down with the ABC11 I-Team to talk about some of the measures DPS has in place to protect students.

"We have secure access points. We have anonymous tip systems. We have metal detectors that are used at some events. We have visitor management systems, and we do have cameras across our district," she said.

Howard also highlighted the district's anonymous reporting software as another key safety tool for the district.

"Our scholars, our families, community members. They contact us," she said. "I think the technology supports our training and our preparedness model."

A fast-growing industry

There's a growing trend of school districts nationwide spending millions of dollars on new technology, all in the interest of student safety.

The ABC News Investigative Unit took a look at where some of that money is going at this year's National School Security Safety Conference.

School Safety Advisory Council Exec. Director & CEO Curt Lavarello says the conference has significantly grown over the years.

"This is the largest school safety exhibit hall anywhere in the United States," he said. "When we used to do this conference, I remember coming to the conference where there may be four or five vendors. And now you see that we're over 100."

The annual expo introduces local school districts to some of the latest safety technology.

At this year's conference, attendees got a look at whiteboards that turn into bulletproof bunkers and attack drones that shoot pepper spray.

Does new tech solve all problems?

Although this technology can provide significant safety enhancements to schools, school safety experts say technology can't always compensate for human error.

National School Safety and Security Services President Dr. Kenneth Trump says training is key.

"The first and best line of defense is a well-trained, highly alert staff and student body," he said. "When security works best, it works best because of people doing the day-to-day basic, fundamental security measures."

Howard agrees and says there are basic steps that can help save lives, like reminding students and staff of the threat posed by something as simple as keeping a door propped open.

"So human error is inevitable, but we have safeguards built in place to catch mistakes before they impact safety," said Howard. "Training and preparedness is a big key and just keeping our community safe."

Durham Public Schools did not attend that particular expo that the ABC News Investigative Unit attended.

District officials said they consider several aspects before acquiring new safety technology, including whether particular technology is sustainable and will work for the specific needs of the district.