An Alabama high school is using AI weapon detectors to screen fans

SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. (NBC, KYMA) - An Alabama high school is using AI to help keep football fans safe.

Calera High School in Shelby County is adding AI weapon detectors to the security before football games this season.

The added security measure is designed to keep families safe at crowded community events.

The Calera Police Department says there were 17 shootings across the southeast during the first month of high school football in 2025.

Calera's police chief says the technology detects only weapons not keys or other metal and has worked successfully since the football jamboree.

The weapon detectors are small and portable, so fans can expect to see the detectors during ahead of kickoff for Fridays game.