Newark Schools to Implement $12M AI Surveillance System to Enhance Security

The Newark Board of Education has approved a $12 million contract to install over 7,000 cameras equipped with artificial intelligence in Newark schools. The contract, awarded to Turn-Key Technologies Inc., aims to enhance school security. 

The cameras are expected to be in place by August 31, ensuring readiness for the new school year.

Valerie Wilson, Newark’s school business administrator, emphasized the urgency of the project, stating that the contract was “time-sensitive” as the district hoped to have the cameras operational before the school year begins. 

The funding for this extensive project includes federal COVID relief through the American Rescue Plan, supplemented by local funds and grants.

The system will detect weapons and track individuals and vehicles across school premises using license plates and facial recognition technology. 

Dillon Reisman, a lawyer with the ACLU of New Jersey, noted, “A lot of these face recognition systems, how they’re built and developed, is that they learn how to identify faces and differentiate between one person’s face and the other based on seeing examples of faces.”

The installation of these cameras, each serving roughly one out of every five students, is part of a broader effort to combat youth violence in the city, which has seen a troubling rise in incidents. 

While security experts warn of potential invasions of privacy and misidentifications, district officials remain steadfast in their commitment to student safety. 

“I want to be very clear to everybody that in no way, shape, or form will this result in an invasion of privacy of anyone’s students, staff, or otherwise,” Wilson asserted.

She added, “Cameras and devices will not and cannot be placed in areas that are not approved and authorized.”

In addition to general surveillance, the new system will include Avigilon technology to expand capabilities as security needs evolve and will be equipped with HALO sensors capable of detecting vaping, gunshots, and other abnormal noises in camera-free zones such as restrooms.

The initiative follows delays in the project’s execution, previously set for last year, caused by licensing issues with potential contractors. After revising the project requirements, the district moved forward with Turn-Key Technologies this April.

This security upgrade comes at a critical time as Newark enforces a youth curfew to curb the recent spike in violence. Just last year, incidents of shootings involving students raised the urgent need for enhanced security measures.