Introduction: What is Remote Video Firearm Detection? 

Remote video firearm detection is an AI-powered software that continuously analyzes live video from existing security cameras to identify visible firearms in seconds. Human Agents visually verify the incident and respond appropriately. 

VirtuGuard™ is a remote video monitoring from BOS Security. Monitoring Agents, assisted by AI tools and security technology, protect client sites by preventing and proactively deterring unwanted or criminal activity from occurring.  

Firearm detection is not a standalone camera or a new piece of hardware. It’s a category of video analytics that can layer onto infrastructure that’s already in place. VirtuGuard™ utilizes your existing cameras and equipment to protect your property, assets, and people around the clock. 

Remote monitoring firearms detection and proactive video monitoring don’t just prevent trespassing and theft. They can also help prevent active shooter incidents. In the FBI’s Active Shooter Incidents in the United States in 2024 report, it’s stated that 58% of active shooters exhibited predatory behaviors or visible warning signs before the attack occurred. The ability to detect a weapon in real time and intervene in an instant is priceless. 

Remote Video Firearm Detecting AI vs Cameras  

There’s a clear distinction between a camera that records, a human watching live video, and AI analytics layered on top of the video feed. A camera that records only captures and stores footage and isn’t reviewed until an incident is discovered, if at all. Humans watching several live video streams across a property or properties aren’t guaranteed to notice suspicious activity at the moment. 

Firearm detection AI analytics are layered on top of the video feed, detecting and flagging visible firearms at the moment they are detected. If a firearm is visible in a camera view, whether it’s in someone’s hand, on the ground, or even in a holster, it triggers an alarm for VirtuGuard™ to verify and respond to.  

To reduce false alarms, the AI evaluates both the visual features of an object and how it’s being handled to determine whether a firearm is in the scene. Most firearm detection AI will not flag a gun-shaped object alone. If your property utilizes armed security officers, the firearm detection AI will not flag your security guard’s service weapon.  

Remote video firearm detection is not a replacement for human judgement. It’s a tool designed to help security professionals by continuously monitoring camera feeds and flagging potential threats. Human operators are responsible for verifying alerts and making operational decisions. Human visual verification is an additional measure to reduce false alarms. 

What Happens when Firearm is Detected by VirtuGuard™ 

1. Firearm detection AI flags a visible firearm in the video stream. 
2. The flagged object immediately sends an alert to a VirtuGuard™ Command Center operator. 
3. A VirtuGuard™ operator reviews the recorded video clip that triggered the alert and the live video stream of the area. If the operator determines the event to be a false alarm, the alert is resolved and Agents continue to monitor the area. 
4. If the firearm detection is verified, the VirtuGuard™ operator will follow an escalation path established with the client during onboarding. The actions taken might include: 
   1. VirtuGuard™ activates an on-site audio warning to engage with the individual or individuals with the firearm. Strobe lights and sirens may also be activated. 
   2. VirtuGuard™ alerts onsite staff and onsite security personnel if the site utilizes physical guard services.
   3. VirtuGuard™ notifies local law enforcement of the event and requests a speedy response. 
5. Once onsite security guards or police have been dispatched, VirtuGuard™ continues to watch and report. Operators relay real-time information and detailed descriptions to responding officers.  
6. After the incident is resolved, VirtuGuard™ reviews and collects relevant footage of the incident and compiles a detailed incident report. This reporting is made available to the client and local law enforcement for any further investigation. 

VirtuGuard™ establishes unique response protocols with each client during initial site onboarding. Our team advises on appropriate response protocols while also handling each firearm detection incident swiftly and effectively. 

Where Remote Video Firearm Detection Delivers the Most Value 

VirtuGuard™ remote video monitoring and AI firearm detection can be applied to virtually any site with security camera coverage. However, there are specific verticals and properties that might benefit the most from remote video firearm detection solutions. 

Firearm Detection for Schools 

According to a report from the Rockefeller Institute of Government, mass shootings have been steadily increasing in frequency since 1966 and 22% of mass shootings occur in schools. Remote video monitoring and firearm detection technology can help prevent gun violence incidents in K-12 schools and higher education facilities.  

Privacy concerns are an important consideration when schools are choosing a security solution. VirtuGuard™ remote video monitoring is handled securely and appropriately, limiting coverage to approved zones like entrances, hallways, common areas, and building and exteriors.  

Firearm Detection for Workplaces 

In the same Rockefeller Institute report, it’s reported that 28% of mass shootings occur in workplaces. Office buildings, commercial properties, warehouses, retail, and other workplaces can implement remote video firearm detection to promote security and safety. 

Firearm Detection for Places of Worship 

Houses of worship and other religious facilities and institutions have also been vulnerable to mass shooter events or threats of violence. Firearm detection AI and remote video monitoring can be applied in these properties for prevention and awareness. 

Conclusion 

VirtuGuard™ and AI firearm detection transforms existing cameras into live, 24/7 detection tools. Through human verification and operational decision making, BOS Security’s proactive video monitoring and firearm detection solutions can protect your people, property, and assets. 

Interested in learning more about VirtuGuard™ or adding firearm detection to your existing cameras? Complete this interest form on our website. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What is remote video firearm detection? 

Remote video firearm detection is AI-powered video analytics that continuously scan live feeds from your existing cameras to identify a visible firearm in real time. The detection triggers an alert for human verification and escalation rather than requiring someone to watch every camera at once. 

Does firearm detection replace security guards or monitoring staff? 

No. It’s designed to flag potential threats faster and more accurately than a person watching multiple screens could, but a trained VirtuGuard™ operator always verifies the alert before any escalation. 

Can firearm detection be added to our existing security cameras? 

In most cases, firearm detection can be added to existing security cameras. VirtuGuard™ utilizes firearm detection as a software layer added to infrastructure you already have in place, rather than requiring a hardware replacement. 

What happens to video footage after an incident? 

VirtuGuard™ compiles the relevant footage and a detailed incident report. These materials are made available to the client, and local law enforcement if further investigation is necessary.