Board approves Flock license agreement to install Raven gunshot-detection devices, cameras and license-plate readers on district property

Laredo ISD trustees voted Dec. 12 to approve a property license agreement with Flock Group Incorporated that will allow installation and maintenance of live gunshot-detection "Raven" sensors, video cameras and license-plate readers on district property.

Chief representatives from the Laredo Police Department described the project as part of a citywide technology effort to reduce violent crime and increase situational awareness near schools. "We were able to purchase a total of 89 Raven devices," Lieutenant Tobar told trustees, and staff showed maps and photos of devices placed on or near campuses.

Police presenters said 12 Raven devices are already installed and that the system provides a triangulated location for detected gunfire, typically to within about 90 feet, and can automatically zoom video for first responders. The project also includes license-plate readers and mobile trailers equipped with cameras and analytics. Staff said the pilot and initial installations are funded through a grant and that there is no initial cost to the district for the work described at the meeting.

Trustees asked about false positives and the system's ability to distinguish fireworks or blank rounds from actual firearms; presenters said the system includes fireworks discrimination and that trained police will verify alerts and maintain response policies. Staff said the districts' school police will receive the application alerts and that the city and LISD police will coordinate geofenced responses when a license-plate reader or Raven detection matches a flagged vehicle.

After questions from trustees about coverage near border-adjacent campuses and event-day false alarms (track meets, military salutes), the board approved the property license agreement by voice vote.

What was approved

The motion approved a property license agreement (Item 12) authorizing Flock Group Inc. to install and maintain Raven devices, certain cameras and LPRs on district property and to operate the detection/analytics with Laredo PD under an MOU. Staff reported an expected broader city installation timeline concluding around March 2025 and said the city covered a portion of matching grant funds.

Next steps and safeguards

Staff said the district and police will finalize an MOU and response policies, create campus geofences for alerts and provide the LISD Police Department access to alerts. Presenters said policy steps include notifying school police ahead of known events (track meets, ceremonies) and that officers will still be dispatched for every alert to confirm safety. Trustees asked for continued updates to ensure student privacy and operational clarity.