What to look for in a school vape sensor.

1. What it detects

According to the manufacturer, the HALO Smart Sensor 3C detects vaping (including THC vaping) and air-quality changes, and can also flag other safety events such as sound anomalies and gunshot detection. Make a list of the events you actually want alerts for before you buy.

2. Privacy in restrooms and locker rooms

Vape sensors go where cameras cannot. The HALO is described by its maker as a privacy-safe sensor with no camera and no audio recording. Confirm this for any sensor you consider, and share it with parents and staff.

3. Alerts that reach the right person

Ask how alerts are delivered (text, email, app, video management system) and who receives them during and after school hours. HALO integrates with video management platforms; if you also run AXIS cameras, ask us how alerts and camera views can work together.

4. Installation and power

Plan ceiling locations, network cabling and power (many sensors use Power over Ethernet), and tamper alerts. Our certified installers handle the cabling and mounting.

5. Policy before hardware

Decide in advance what happens when an alert fires: who responds, how students are approached, and how incidents are recorded. A sensor works best as part of a clear, consistent plan.

6. Funding

Some school safety grants allow security technology. See our funding guide for current federal and state programs.

Questions? Haddock Education Technologies can walk you through it. Call (316) 558-3849 or contact us.

Sources

• HALO Smart Sensor 3C (Pelco)
• HALO 3C Smart Sensor (Avigilon)
• Motorola Solutions acquires IPVideo, creator of HALO
• AXIS: Education solutions