The Indicator from Planet Money

Inside the growing industry to defend schools from mass shootings

34 snips
Oct 15, 2025
Schools are turning to a burgeoning security industry, offering everything from bulletproof whiteboards to drones that incapacitate shooters. Companies showcase a range of products at expos, though effectiveness is often unproven. With the market projected to grow substantially, discussions highlight the imbalance in spending on guards versus mental health resources. Experts argue that fear drives purchasing decisions, while simple preventive measures may be overlooked. The podcast delves into the complex interplay of safety, psychology, and societal pressures.
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ANECDOTE

Expo Shows The Product Variety

  • At a school resource officer conference Meg Anderson saw an expo full of security products like panic buttons, metal detectors, and even guns.
  • Titan Armored displayed a bulletproof mobile whiteboard with a bullet hole that didn’t penetrate, illustrating product marketing to schools.
ANECDOTE

Drone Company Demoed Active Response

  • Justin Marston of Campus Guardian Angel demoed drones that deploy remotely to distract and disable shooters using sirens, pepper shots, and high-speed impacts.
  • The company positions remote pilots to launch drones from headquarters to respond inside schools.
INSIGHT

A Fast-Growing Multibillion-Dollar Market

  • Market researcher Omdia estimates the school safety market at up to $4 billion and growing toward $6 billion by 2027.
  • The sector’s rapid growth reflects money flowing into many unproven products.
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