In a concerning incident at Kenwood High School in Baltimore County, Maryland, a student faced a police detainment due to an AI security system mistake. The system mistakenly identified a bag of chips as a potential weapon, leading to an overwhelming police response.
Baltimore Police Detain Student After AI System Error
This event unfolded on a Monday evening when Taki Allen, a student at Kenwood High School, was waiting for a ride home after football practice. Armed police arrived following a report of a suspicious weapon. Despite the swift conclusion that Allen posed no threat, he was handcuffed and searched.
Allen recounted the experience, stating, “They made me get on my knees, put my hands behind my back, and cuffed me.” Even after the police confirmed he was unarmed, they discovered the bag of chips he was holding on the floor.
The Role of AI in School Security
- The AI-driven security system was implemented in Baltimore County schools in 2023.
- It analyzes video feeds from existing school security cameras.
Kenwood’s Principal, Kate Smith, informed parents that the security department canceled the gun detection alert once they confirmed no weapon was present. However, she initially did not realize this, leading to a heavy police presence.
Community Response
The incident has triggered significant outrage within the community. Allen’s grandfather, Lamont Davis, called for accountability, urging that “something has got to be done.”
Baltimore County officials, including Councilman Izzy Patoka, stated that no child should be confronted by police over a bag of Doritos, expressing concern over the AI system’s implementation. Another Councilman, Julian Jones, highlighted the need for safeguards to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Statements from Authorities and AI Company
Superintendent Myriam Rogers addressed the situation, referring to the incident as “truly unfortunate.” She emphasized the district’s commitment to student safety and the need for a review of security practices.
The company behind the AI system, Omnilert, expressed regret regarding the incident. They reiterated that the system’s purpose is to identify potential threats and ensure rapid human verification. Despite the outcome, they maintain that the process functioned as intended.
As the Baltimore County community reflects on this event, calls for a comprehensive review of the AI security system continue to grow.
