Frequently Asked Questions

�鶹�ƽ�� utilizes a layered approach to campus safety and security measures. Below is additional information about our ongoing public safety efforts and the tools we employ to help keep our community and its members safe. Throughout those initiatives, we are conscious of privacy concerns as well as the campus’ role as a public institution and the ever-present necessity for broad situational awareness across our community.

If you have additional questions or a concern, please contact wmpublicsafety@wm.edu.

As always, if you have an emergency, contact 911.

What specific software tools does �鶹�ƽ�� Public Safety use?

The university invests in modern Emergency Management, Risk Management and threat assessment tools to enhance preparedness, protect our community and streamline processes, including

OpenGate. Athletics and other major events on campus now employ walk-through weapons detection gates to keep attendees safe.
Flock Safety Camera license plate reader system. Readers are used only in public areas of campus for the purposes of deterring and solving crime – particularly by perpetrators from outside the campus community. A dashboard of this technology's use is available through the Flock Safety Transparency Portal.
ZeroEyes, an AI-powered weapon detection technology, supplements our existing camera infrastructure to detect brandished firearms and aid officer response times. The ZeroEyes technology is aided by human analysts 24-7. For more information, ZeroEyes includes a detailed about how its technology works.
Rave Guardian. This personal safety app features virtual escort and confidential reporting capabilities.
Factal. An app that provides geo-targeted situational awareness/safety alerts for students, faculty and staff traveling abroad on university business.

Does the university plan to adopt any additional technologies?

�鶹�ƽ�� Public Safety continues to explore ways to ensure the safety of our campus. Going forward, this may include the implementation of new technologies to supplement our current lineup of tested and approved resources.

With AI tools like license plate readers and weapon detection systems used on campus, how does the university protect the privacy of its community members?

Protection of individual privacy is important to our Division. We do not use facial recognition software on campus, and the AI tools store only anonymized data and only for limited time frames. These technologies are only used in public areas where there is no expectation of privacy.

Does �鶹�ƽ�� use facial recognition on campus?

No.

In March and April 2026, the �鶹�ƽ�� student body passed two referendums - one related to the use of Flock Safety and ZeroEyes technology on campus - expressing support for cancelling the university’s contracts with these two technology providers. Are these technologies still in use on campus?

Yes.

�鶹�ƽ�� students are engaged members of our community, and we appreciate they are following the available process to express opinion.

Campus safety is always a top priority. In a on March 5, Associate Vice President for Public Safety Cliff Everton detailed the university’s layered approach to campus safety and security measures. In those efforts, we are conscious of privacy concerns as well as the public nature of this campus and the necessity for broad situational awareness across our community.

How can I help?

In a community as close-knit as ours, public safety is a shared responsibility. Always remember, if you see something, please say something. Rave Guardian, a personal safety app available for free to members of the �鶹�ƽ�� community, features both virtual escort and confidential reporting capabilities.

(Last Updated April 14, 2026)