In a significant move to bolster public safety, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office in Nevada has implemented ZeroEyes’ AI gun detection platform across its facilities.
This initiative, facilitated through a collaboration with Stonemont Security Solutions, marks the first instance of a law enforcement agency in Nevada deploying this technology, aimed at enhancing the protection of both community members and staff against gun-related violence. Washoe County, noted for being the state’s second most populous region, receives extensive law enforcement services from the Sheriff’s Office in its unincorporated areas.
The agency is strategically organised into three main bureaus: administrative, detention, and operations, working collectively to strengthen public safety and nurture community ties. The addition of ZeroEyes’ technology is expected to significantly boost the Sheriff’s Office’s capacity to maintain safety across the county’s civic facilities, such as courthouses and election sites.
The deployment of ZeroEyes reflects a progressive approach to public safety, as highlighted by Thad Debolt, president of Stonemont Security Solutions. He emphasised the Sheriff’s Office’s pioneering role in Nevada by utilising AI-powered gun detection, underscoring its commitment to preventing gun violence and safeguarding deputies serving on the front lines. This technology adoption is seen as a testament to the responsibility felt towards protecting both the community and the officers who serve it.
Sheriff Darin Balaam acknowledged the introduction of ZeroEyes at the Sheriff’s Office as a crucial development in enhancing security measures.
Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Sheriff Balaam stated, “As the first law enforcement office in the state to utilize ZeroEyes, we are taking deliberate action to enhance situational awareness and response capabilities within our operations.” The Sheriff expressed optimism that this measure would lay the groundwork for further expansion to other county facilities, bolstering their proactive security efforts.
ZeroEyes integrates with existing digital security camera systems to provide an additional layer of safety. On identifying a gun, images are immediately forwarded to the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), a unique operation centre based in the U.S. and staffed around the clock with experts from military and law enforcement backgrounds.
Upon validation of a threat, these experts can relay actionable intelligence — including a visual description, weapon type, and last location — to law enforcement within mere seconds. CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes, Mike Lahiff, remarked on the importance of shared responsibility in safety, adding that technology plays a crucial role in enhancing community security in Washoe County.
