New emergency drone system launches at University of St. Thomas in Houston

A new drone first responder system, among other upgrades, at the University of St. Thomas in Houston is expected to improve student safety and campus security, according to an April 21 news release from the university.

What’s changed

The new drone emergency response system can deploy remotely to areas across campus in around 85 seconds, providing “real-time information” to campus police and local law enforcement from the air, according to the news release. The drone system will be operated by the University of St. Thomas’s police department, and is expected to help them when coordinating with the Houston Police Department.

“Every second matters in an emergency,” said H.E. Jenkins, chief of police at the University of St. Thomas, via the news release. “This technology gives our officers immediate situational awareness before they arrive on scene, helping them respond more effectively. This enhances safety for our students and the campus community.”

Zooming in

Other new safety investments into the University of St. Thomas’s campus include:

• Gun detection systems at the campus’s main residence halls
• Automated doors so that the campus can be quickly locked down
• License plate readers at entry points
• Motion detection software and enhancements for security cameras

“Student safety and privacy are both top priorities,” Jenkins said. “Our approach is purpose-driven and accountable, focused on protecting people and supporting learning, not surveillance for its own sake.”

Learn more

The University of St. Thomas is a Houston-based Catholic university that focuses on liberal arts education, according to the news release.

The campus is located at 3800 Montrose Blvd., Houston.