Retail Security Systems
AI Gun Detection, ENS, and Emergency Response Automation
When you’re running a retail operation, the last thing you want to think about is gun violence. However, retail gun detection technology can transform your existing retail security systems and cameras into a proactive threat detection system, helping to save lives in the event of an emergency.
Omnilert’s AI system spots firearms before shots are fired and kicks off emergency protocols in seconds.
What Makes Retail a Target for Gun Violence?
Retail spaces have a combination of open spaces, valuable goods, and often limited security measures that make them more vulnerable for gun violence.
- Open to the Public: Anyone can walk through your doors. That’s the point of retail, but it’s also part of the problem.
- Money and Merchandise: Criminals see opportunity in cash registers, expensive products and goods, and the crowds of people looking to shop.
- Patterns of Shopping Activity: Black Friday rushes, holiday shopping, back-to-school crowds create predictable patterns for bad actors to target.
- Limited Security: Most retail establishments rely on a lean security staff, if they have any at all.
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See how easily our AI Gun Detection system can integrate with your existing security cameras.
The Reality of Shootings at Retail Locations
Allen Outlet Mall Shooting
Allen, TX – 2023
A man opened fire on civilians at the Allen Premium Outlets, tragically killing 8 and injuring at least 7 others. Source
Lewiston Bowling Alley Shooting
Lewiston, ME – 2023
A shooter assaulted a local bowling alley and bar with a semi-automatic rifle, killing 18 and injuring 13 others. Source
El Paso Walmart Shooting
El Paso, TX – 2019
In an apparent hate crime, a gunman shot 45 people at a Walmart in El Paso, killing 23 of them. Source
Where We Can Help Retail Safety Challenges
Here’s where traditional security falls short in retail environments. You’re dealing with unique operational constraints that don’t exist in office buildings or factories.
High Traffic Volume
Hundreds or thousands of unfamiliar faces daily makes threat assessment nearly impossible.
Employee Turnover
Staff training on security protocols isn’t as effective when you have to replace your employees more often.
Customer Experience
Security measures must work without creating issues that hurt customer experience.
Emergency Coordination
Communication needs to be managed between security teams, staff, shoppers, and law enforcement.
How Omnilert Gun Detection Helps Protect Your Business
Benefits of Omnilert’s AI Gun Detection System Engage a Full-Scale Emergency Response for Security Incidents
Once a threat is detected and verified, the real work begins: orchestrating a comprehensive emergency response that engages every system. Omnilert initiates an automated response across multiple technologies to help protect as many lives as possible.
Instant Notifications
Multi-channel emergency notifications instantly alert staff, security, and law enforcement
Automated Response
Automatic response workflows trigger lockdown procedures, activate alarms, and more
Mobile Alerts
Mobile applications that keep staff informed and connected during emergencies
Alarm Activation
Use audio and video systems to sound alarms and deliver clear safety instructions
Access Control
Lock or unlock doors to contain threats, secure exits, and protect vulnerable areas
Custom Response
Engage a fully-custom response using your existing security technology
Law Enforcement
Notify local police of an active threat or verified security incident
Liability Protection
Omnilert’s DHS SAFETY Act designation offers liability protection.
Our Open Architecture Easily Integrate Third-Party Technologies
Our open network can integrate with your current camera setup, whether that’s a basic four-camera system or a more complex setup covering multiple locations.
Additionally connect with your VMS, access control systems, alarms, and other security infrastructure with ease. Our open network approach means you can enhance your existing technology investments while adopting new technology.
Emergency Communications Customize Our Emergency Communications Platform for Your Business
Your emergency communication systems should be reliable, easy-to-use, and customized to meet the specific needs of your retail establishment. From high-stakes emergencies to common notifications, our system can be adapted to automate a total response to virtually any scenario.
Customer Testimonial
“Omnilert’s team has been professional, responsive, and genuinely invested in helping us implement a solution that meets the unique needs of our schools. We value the partnership and the peace of mind it brings to our students, staff, and families.”
Michael K.
Superintendent, Cheslea School District
FAQ Common Questions About Retail Security
How does AI gun detection work in busy retail environments?
Our system learned from military target recognition technology, so it’s designed to pick out weapons even when there’s a lot of visual noise. Instead of trying to identify people (which gets messy with privacy concerns), it focuses on body shapes and weapon profiles. A smartphone doesn’t look like a gun to our AI, even when someone’s holding it at an odd angle.
Can the system integrate with existing retail security cameras?
In most cases, yes. We’ve worked with everything from basic analog systems to high-end IP camera networks. The key is having cameras that can feed video data to our processing unit—which covers probably 90% of what’s installed in retail locations today.
What happens when a threat is detected in a retail store?
The system doesn’t just sound an alarm and hope for the best. Within seconds, it can lock down specific areas, trigger targeted announcements, send alerts to your security team, and notify law enforcement with precise location data. You’re not guessing where the threat is or what kind of response you need.
How does gun detection technology affect customer privacy?
Here’s what we don’t do: facial recognition, personal identification, or data collection on individual shoppers. The AI analyzes movement patterns and object recognition—basically asking “is that thing a weapon?” rather than “who is that person?” Your customers’ privacy stays intact.
What is the typical implementation timeline for retail locations?
Depends on your setup, but we typically see deployments wrapped up in two to four weeks. Single-location stores often go faster; multi-store rollouts take a bit longer just because of coordination logistics. Most of the time is spent on integration testing and staff training rather than hardware installation.