In a recent episode of WGN Radio’s Interrupting the Next Mass Shooting series, host Ryan Burrow sat down with Chad Green, Director of AI at Omnilert, to explore how artificial intelligence and visual weapons detection are revolutionizing public safety. The discussion dives deep into the technology that’s helping schools, businesses, and communities detect and respond to threats faster — potentially saving lives.
The Moment That Sparked Innovation
Chad Green’s journey toward developing Omnilert’s AI-powered weapons detection system was driven by personal tragedy and professional expertise. After years of designing optical sensing systems for the military, Green was devastated when his cousin’s daughter, Emily Parker, was killed in the Sandy Hook shooting. That event became the catalyst for him to apply his knowledge of computer vision to a new mission: preventing future tragedies.
“I’m not a politician. I don’t have control over gun laws,” Green says. “But I understand technology — and maybe there’s something I can do with the skills I have to help.”
Turning Surveillance Cameras into Life-Saving Sensors
There are more than 90 million security cameras across the U.S., but only a fraction are actively monitored. Omnilert’s AI technology transforms these passive devices into real-time threat detectors that can identify weapons the moment they appear on camera.
Here’s How it Works:
- The system uses AI-based object detection to recognize handguns and rifles — distinguishing them from everyday items like umbrellas or cell phones.
- When a weapon is detected, Omnilert’s system automatically triggers a cascade of safety actions: locking doors, sounding alarms, alerting authorities, and sending immediate notifications to key personnel.
- The entire process takes as little as 10 seconds, shaving critical minutes off the typical emergency response time.
“Active shooter events last about eight minutes on average. It often takes five minutes before someone even calls 911,” Green explains. “We can detect and act within 10 seconds — giving that time back to first responders.”
Privacy and Precision, by Design
A major point of emphasis in the interview was privacy protection. Omnilert’s system processes video locally — no footage is sent to the cloud unless a weapon is detected. It doesn’t use facial recognition or track personal identities. Instead, the focus is solely on identifying visible weapons and enabling fast, coordinated responses.
False alarms are rare, thanks to multiple layers of verification — including AI validation, contextual filtering, and human confirmation. “We don’t want to desensitize your security staff,” Green says. “Accuracy and trust are critical.”
Complementing, Not Replacing, Security Measures
Omnilert’s AI doesn’t replace traditional safety tools like metal detectors or security guards — it enhances them. Metal detectors identify concealed weapons; Omnilert’s AI detects visible threats before shots are fired. When used together, they create a layered defense system that extends from the parking lot to the classroom.
This layered approach is already being deployed in schools, hospitals, houses of worship, corporate campuses, and stadiums nationwide. Omnilert even offers grants and donations — such as the $400,000 in equipment provided to Uvalde schools — to make life-saving technology more accessible.
Real Impact and Real Stories
As of late 2025, Omnilert’s system has logged over 1,700 verified detection events, identifying weapons in locations where they shouldn’t be and enabling interventions before violence occurred.
This proactive approach can mean the difference between escalation and de-escalation — helping schools involve social workers rather than SWAT teams when a threat turns out to be a misunderstanding or false alarm.
Honoring Lives Through Action
To honor the memory of his cousin’s daughter, Omnilert established the Emily Parker National School Safety Leadership Award, in partnership with the National Council of School Safety Directors. The award recognizes individuals driving innovation and leadership in school safety — and underscores Omnilert’s belief that mindful preparedness is the best defense against mindless violence.
Hear the Full Conversation
Listen to the full WGN Radio episode above, “Interrupting the Next Mass Shooting: Security, Culture, and Laws”, to hear Chad Green and Ryan Burrow discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of safety in schools and communities.
