Crystal Business Develops Systems to Stop Active Shooters
Crotega Uses Artificial Intelligence to Alert Staff of Armed Intruders
Too often, communities across the nation grieve as school shootings claim more lives. Jody Allen Crowe, a former teacher, says it’s the reason he started Crotega in Crystal.
The company uses an artificial intelligence system installed in the ceilings of schools, hospitals and other buildings. The system alerts staff when a weapon has been detected in the building.
“When somebody comes into the building and is observed to be carrying a weapon or has already started shooting, it alerts the system and then people inside of the building can deploy with a touch screen, a water-based chemical irritant into the environment and basically changes the environment that the person is in.”
Like tear gas, once deployed the application causes eye closure and makes it hard to breathe. It’s all in an effort to deter, disrupt and delay an active shooter.
Crowe says he started the company after the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting in 2012. He says his firsthand experience with a school shooter when he was in fifth grade, will stay with him forever.
The company’s technology is especially relevant now following Tuesday’s mass school shooting in Uvalde, Tex. Crowe says he hopes less lethal options like these can make a difference.
“My goal with my company is to save lives in schools,” Crowe said.
Also See: School Districts Respond to Texas School Shooting with Advice, Support
