Leesburg, VA — July 22, 2025 – Omnilert, the innovation leader in AI-powered gun detection and emergency response technology, today announced the launch of the Safe Haven Grant Program, a new annual initiative created to provide school districts impacted by gun violence or limited funding with comprehensive, district-wide safety technology. The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) has been selected as the first recipient of the grant and will receive a three-year deployment of Omnilert’s visual AI gun detection platform across all of its schools. This solution will be implemented in partnership with BCD, a global leader in video surveillance infrastructure, which is providing the hardware and infrastructure required to support the deployment.
“Our number one priority is to keep students and staff safe, which is why we have been looking to add Omnilert’s visual AI gun detection for all of our sites,” said Ashley Chohlis, Superintendent of Uvalde CISD. “Without the grant program, we would be unable to bring this life-saving technology into our schools, and we are grateful for the opportunity that Omnilert and BCD have given us to move forward with it district-wide.”
“Every student deserves to feel safe at school, regardless of what resources their district may or may not have,” said Dave Fraser, CEO of Omnilert. “With the Safe Haven Grant and our partnership with BCD, we can now provide a key layer of security to the most vulnerable schools in America. With visual AI gun detection integrated into security cameras, weapons can be identified the instant they are brandished and allow for an immediate and robust response designed to save lives.”
Uvalde CISD had previously selected Omnilert’s AI gun detection solution as its preferred provider after careful evaluation, but it was unable to proceed for lack of public funding. The Safe Haven Grant ensures the district can move forward with a vital layer of technology without compromise.
Omnilert is Expanding Access to School Safety for the Communities Who Need It Most
The Safe Haven Grant was created to support districts that too often face the highest risk with the fewest resources—those recovering from school shootings or operating without the financial means to implement modern security solutions. The program reflects Omnilert’s belief that access to proactive safety technology should not be limited by funding constraints, especially when lives are at stake.
Each year, the program will award one school district with a full deployment of Omnilert’s AI gun detection platform, with support from trusted hardware and infrastructure partners. The program prioritizes:
- Districts impacted by school shootings or firearm-related threats
- Underserved communities with limited access to funding
- Schools actively pursuing proactive safety measures
“Visual AI gun detection is a game changer in the fight against gun violence in America’s schools, and we are proud to stand with Omnilert and the Uvalde CISD to bring this life-saving technology across the district,” said Daniel O’Mahoney, COO at BCD. “Transforming security cameras into proactive 24/7 instant weapon monitors is imperative for greater school security.”
Omnilert will continue to collaborate with a range of partners to support future grant recipients and tailor deployments to the needs of each district.
About Omnilert
Omnilert delivers a proactive, AI-powered gun detection and automated response solution that saves lives and reduces the operational, legal and social costs of gun violence by enabling existing security cameras to identify firearms the moment they are brandished. Once verified, the system initiates a rapid, multi-layered response that includes locking doors, alerting first responders, and providing real-time intelligence. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s SAFETY Act as a designated anti-terrorism technology, Omnilert is a trusted partner of organizations across multiple industries, including K-12 schools, higher education, government, healthcare, retail, enterprise, corporate campuses, manufacturing, critical infrastructure, transportation hubs, entertainment venues, and places of worship. For more information, visit https://www.omnilert.com.
About BCD
BCD is a global leader in video surveillance hardware, purpose-built to meet the performance and reliability demands of security environments. With a focus on innovation and service, BCD solutions power mission-critical infrastructure in education, government, retail, healthcare, and beyond. Learn more at https://www.bcdvideo.com/bcdoem/
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