ZeroEyes, a pioneer in AI-powered gun detection video analytics, has announced the deployment of its situational awareness technology at Stonegate Fellowship Church.
This step comes as Stonegate is broadening its campus to include areas open to the public throughout the week. The church has adopted ZeroEyes’ system to safeguard both its premises and these expanded facilities.
Stonegate and Its Community Role
Stonegate Fellowship, based in northwestern Midland, Texas, serves the wider Permian Basin area. The church commenced in August 1999, initially attracting about 200 attendees at its first worship service held at Abell Junior High School.
Currently, Stonegate draws an average weekly attendance of 3,000 people. The church offers an array of programs throughout the week alongside its Sunday services. With an expansion underway, the facilities will feature spaces for communal gatherings, Bible studies, and work environments, all designed to be secure and community-friendly.
Commitment to Safety
Stonegate enhances security with proactive monitoring using ZeroEyes"Stonegate Fellowship uses ZeroEyes as part of our commitment to providing a safe, welcoming environment where people can worship, grow, and gather with peace of mind,” said Larry Gilbert, Executive Pastor of Stonegate Fellowship.
The church emphasizes the importance of safety as a fundamental aspect of care for its congregation, staff, and guests. By integrating ZeroEyes, Stonegate aims to enhance security through proactive monitoring of existing cameras, thereby facilitating rapid collaboration with local authorities in emergency situations. This approach helps maintain an open and welcoming atmosphere reflective of the church's values.
ZeroEyes AI Technology
ZeroEyes' software functions by integrating into existing digital security camera systems. Upon detecting a firearm, images are transmitted immediately to the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the only fully in-house U.S.-based center of its kind.
The center operates around the clock, staffed by veterans of the U.S. military and law enforcement. When a validated threat is identified, the ZOC dispatches alerts and crucial intelligence, providing details such as visual descriptions, gun type, and last known locations to local law enforcement and church officials. This entire process can occur in as little as 3 to 5 seconds.
Enhancing Safety Measures
"We’re honored to work with Stonegate Fellowship as they expand their campus to better serve their community,” commented Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes.
By incorporating proactive gun detection into their safety strategy, Stonegate is taking significant measures to protect both members and visitors. The collaborative effort aims to ensure safer environments where individuals can worship, learn, and connect without the burden of fear.
ZeroEyes, the creators of the first AI-based gun detection video analytics platform to earn the full U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, announced that its proactive AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software has been deployed at Stonegate Fellowship Church.
Stonegate is expanding its campus to include areas that will be available to the public seven days a week, and has adopted ZeroEyes to help protect both the church building and these newly accessible spaces.
About Stonegate
Stonegate Fellowship is located on the northwest side of Midland, Texas but serves the larger Permian Basin community. The church began in August 1999 with its first worship service at Abell Junior High School, attended by about 200 people. Since then, Stonegate has grown exponentially, with attendance averaging 3,000 weekly.
Stonegate offers a wide range of programs and events during the week in addition to multiple services on Sunday mornings. The church is expanding its current building, which will include spaces to gather, participate in Bible studies, work, and connect in a safe, communal environment.
The adoption of ZeroEyes will help protect congregation members and the wider community from gun-related violence across the growing campus.
Providing a safe environment
“Stonegate Fellowship uses ZeroEyes as part of our commitment to providing a safe, welcoming environment where people can worship, grow, and gather with peace of mind,” said Larry Gilbert, Executive Pastor of Stonegate Fellowship.
“As a Christ-centered church with a heart for our community, we believe safety is a vital expression of care for our congregation, staff, and guests. ZeroEyes enhances our layered security approach by proactively monitoring existing cameras for potential gun-related threats, allowing for rapid response and coordination with local authorities if needed. This technology helps us remain prepared and vigilant while preserving the open, hospitable atmosphere that reflects the love of Christ.”
Software details
ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the industry's only U.S.-based, fully in-house operation center, which is staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans.
If these experts determine the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — to local law enforcement and church leaders as quickly as 3 to 5 seconds from detection.
Safer spaces
“We’re honored to work with Stonegate Fellowship as they expand their campus to better serve their community,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes.
“By adding proactive gun detection to their safety strategy, they’re taking an important step to protect members and visitors alike. Together, we can help create safer spaces where people can worship, learn, and connect without fear.”
