In our second installment of SVIP Verified, we take a deep dive into Scylla's Gun Detection System. Our evaluation incorporates a hands-on system review from the SVIP Verified Team, responses from Scylla VP of North America Channel Partner manager, Hunter Fort, and real-world insights from Ben Williams of the Houston First Corporation.
*The SVIP Verified Team is composed of seasoned technical industry professionals and end users, collectively bringing over a century of expertise to the evaluation process.*
SVIP Verified System Evaluation
Scylla set up cloud access to their Gun Detection System (photos below). Accounts were created for members of the SVIP team where the following activation email was sent.
Scylla subsequently provided the SVIP team with PDF versions of their Security Suite Dashboard Manual and Testing Guidelines for the Gun Detection system screenshots below).
The SVIP Verified team then conducted a thorough evaluation of Scylla's Gun Detection software, assessing the following evaluation criteria in the system evaluation report below.
Evaluation Criteria
1. Hardware
2. Software
3. Performance (True Positives vs False Positives)
4. User Experience & Core Features + Mobile App
5. Security
6. Integration& Support
7. Analytics
8. Environmental Impact
9. Innovation
10. Cost
*Hardware*
Hanwha Vision QND 8010R Dome Camera
*Software*
Scylla Security Suite (Cloud Access)
*Performance*
True Positives
Gun Detected
Gun Zoomed In
Gun Detected
Gun Zoomed In
Gun Detected
Gun Zoomed In
Gun Detected
Gun Zoomed In
Rifle Detected
Rifle Zoomed In
Rifle Detected
Rifle Zoomed In
Gun Detected (Night)
Gun Zoomed In
Gun Detected (Night)
Gun Zoomed In
Gun Detected (Night)
Gun Zoomed In
Rifle Detected (Night)
Rifle Zoomed In
False Positives
Hammer classified as "Gun"
Hammer Zoomed In
iPhone classified as "Gun"
iPhone Zoomed In
Umbrella Classified as "Rifle"
Umbrella Zoomed In
*User Experience*
Mobile App - The Scylla AI Mobile App is available on the both the Google Play and Apple App Stores. One of the standout positives from our testing was the speed of the Scylla mobile app’s alarm notifications. On average, alerts were received within 1–2 seconds following a confirmed true positive gun detection.
Login Screen - Users can enter their email and password or enable FaceID to login moving forward.
Alarm Screen shows users their system of record of all gun detection alarms that have come through the system. This includes both true and false positives.
Gun Detection Details allows users to view the recording and snapshot of the gun detection. Users can then acknowledge the alarm, delete the alarm, or mark the alarm as a false positive.
Sites allows users to view their sites connected the gun detection system
Alarm Management allows you to view camera status, adjust alarm status, and select a date range of previous alarms.
Settings Tab allows users to upload a profile photo, update their name, implement FaceID, change their password, change notification settings, contact support, and view Scylla's Terms & Conditions agreement.
Personal Information allows users to update their name on the on their profile
Security allows users to change their password, enable Face ID, or delete their account.
Preferences allows users to toggle email and app notifications off and on.
Desktop Version
The Home Screen on desktop can feel a bit overwhelming at first due to the number of tabs, but once you're working within a specific model or analytic, the workflow becomes much more intuitive and seamless.
Sites Tab allows you to create, delete, and edit sites. In addition, users have the ability to snooze alarms as well arm/disarm them. Users can manage their devices, browse alarms, run reports, and check statistics from the "Properties" tab on the right.
Site Create
Groups
Reports
Create Report
Scheduled Reports
Statistics
Hardware Tab shows users their cameras connected to Scylla's AI modules in addition to their Integration Drivers (Milestone, Exacq Vision, Genetec, Network Optix, and others). It also shows you camera status and device types via event based or Live.
Integration Drivers
Integration Types
Alarms Tab has 3 different tabs internally (Alarm Management, Alarm Panel, and History). Alarm Management allows you to view recordings, check details, view snapshots, and either acknowledge, dismiss, delete, or mark an alarm as false.
Details
Snapshot
Acknowledge Alarm
Dismiss Alarm
False Alarm
Delete Alarm
Alarm Panel allows you to have thumbnail views with video playbacks of all of your alarms. Users have similar functionality on this page where they can mark alarms as true positives or false positives in addition to dismissing and deleting arms. Users can also share alarms via email or by copying the link
Share by Email or by Copy Link
History allows users to view all of their alarms by line item and open alarms to view detection details.
Detection Details
Filter Options
AI Modules shows users all of Scylla's modules. Highlighted modules are marked as active (i.e Gun Detection).
Video Wall for Gun Detection module. Shows live view of connected cameras. Users can view alarm previews and add deployments.
Alarm Preview
Create Group
New Deployment
Scylla BI allows users to view statistics and generate reports for alarms.
Forensics Pro. SVIP did not test but it is currently available for beta testing.
Reports allows users to schedule and create reports by site.
Create Report
Health Dashboard shows users onsite, on premise, and edge deployments
Account Settings Tab
Profile View
Settings View
Preferences View
Customization View
Immix Integration
External Reporting
Alarm Endpoints
Acknowledge Messages
Integrations
Recording Templates
Notifications
Retention Policy
Delete Account
Resources View
Event Rules View
Event Rules Continued
User Management
Add User
User Management (Groups)
Add Group (Admin or Operator Role)
Roles & Permissions
Add Role
New Feature Request View
Language Settings Icon
Heart Icon is Health Status
Support Email Icon
Security – Data Retention Policy. Verified Alarms: Data retained for 30 days & General Data: Retained for 15 days
Integration & Support
Support Email available at support@scylla.ai
Analytics - Dependent on the module selected, Scylla offers camera insights as shown below.
Below Answers provided by Hunter Fort, Scylla VP North America Channel Partner Manager
Cost:
What is the pricing for Scylla’s Gun Detection System? Are there different pricing options available?
"On average, end-user customers pay between $400–$500 per year, per camera license for the software."
Scalability:
What is the typical purchase size for Scylla’s Gun Detection System?
"In K-12 environments, we typically see deployments averaging 50–75 camera streams per location."
Sustainability:
How does Scylla’s Gun Detection System impact the environment?
"From an energy usage perspective, the system requires a server to operate, either on-premises or via the cloud. As such, there is some environmental impact due to energy consumption, although specific calculations have not been conducted."
Exclusive Interview with Scylla End User, Ben Williams, Director of Security at Houston First Corporation.
Houston First, a leading name in public venue management, has taken a major step forward in enhancing public safety by integrating Scylla’s AI-powered Gun Detection System into its security infrastructure. We spoke with Ben Williams, Director of Security, to explore the journey of adopting this technology, how it’s performing in real-world scenarios, and the future outlook for AI-driven threat detection.
Finding the Right Fit
Houston First had explored several gun detection solutions before landing on Scylla. “We had been testing a few products but hadn’t found one we were truly satisfied with,” Williams shared. Their long-standing relationship with Eagl, a trusted gunshot detection partner, led them to Scylla. “We value Eagl’s opinion, so we moved forward with a proof of concept.”
Smooth Onboarding and Seamless Setup
The onboarding process proved straightforward. “Scylla did most of the heavy lifting,” said Williams. “We set them up with usernames and access, and they took care of the rest.” As with any new tech implementation, concerns were expected, but the Scylla team provided strong support throughout integration.
Real-World Performance and Accuracy
In testing, Scylla’s gun detection has shown high accuracy with both real and replica firearms. “The system worked great,” Williams noted. “We did several rounds of testing to ensure weapons would be detected and displayed in our Security Operations Center.”
While false positives have occurred—objects resembling firearms triggering alerts—Williams views this as a benefit. “It gives Scylla valuable data for improvement and keeps us from relying on human filtering between detection and notification,” a distinction he believes sets Scylla apart.
Integration and Operational Impact
The system’s integration with Milestone VMS has been a strong point. Alerts are routed quickly and clearly, enabling rapid response. “One of the main reasons we partnered with Scylla was to enhance our team’s speed in identifying, assessing, and resolving threats,” Williams said.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been minimally adjusted to accommodate the system. “We were already designing our SOPs with a system like Scylla in mind,” he added, crediting the alignment with their partnership with Eagl.
Real-World Application: Preparedness in Practice
Though Houston First has not experienced an active shooter event, Scylla has proven useful during high-attendance events where cosplay participants may carry realistic-looking props. The system’s ability to differentiate and alert security teams adds a layer of confidence during such occasions.
“It’s helped position us as a leader in proactive security within the event industry,” said Williams. “Clients notice and appreciate how seriously we take their safety.”
User Experience and Support
The solution’s user interface is highly automated and intuitive for the team. Integrated directly into Milestone VMS, it was easy for staff to adopt. “Our experience with Scylla’s support team has been excellent,” Williams added.
ROI and Looking Ahead
While quantifying ROI for security tech can be challenging, Williams compares it to insurance: “You don’t know the value until you need it.” That said, the presence of Scylla’s system has already helped Houston First secure business from clients seeking higher safety standards.
The organization is actively exploring additional Scylla modules to enhance liability tracking and threat detection capabilities.
Final Thoughts
Would Ben Williams recommend Scylla? Absolutely.
“Our Security Operations Center is a showcase environment. When we host partners and potential clients, they can see firsthand what Scylla can do. It’s not just a feature—it’s a cornerstone of how we present our commitment to safety.”
SVIP Final Comments
After our review, we identified five key reasons why Scylla's Gun Detection stands out as a viable option in the security industry.
Speed That Matters – Scylla’s gun detection software delivered impressively fast detection and alerting capabilities, even when accessed via their cloud-based instance. The response time was near-instantaneous, reinforcing the system’s real-time threat identification strength.
Advanced Detection Capabilities – The system is not only highly accurate in recognizing actual firearms but also sensitive to hand gestures that mimic the act of holding a weapon. While some may consider this a negative, we view it as a proactive feature—prompting important questions about intent and situational awareness.
Reduced Human Intervention – In AI-driven analytics, performance is everything. Scylla has clearly invested the necessary time and expertise to ensure their gun detection system functions reliably in real-world scenarios without a "human" consistently in the loop. While we believe AI should always be used with human verification, Scylla's gun detection is not just theoretical—it’s field-ready.
Seamless Mobile Experience – The Scylla mobile app is intuitive and easy to navigate. Consistent with our earlier observations, alert notifications on the app were delivered with exceptional speed, making it a reliable tool for on-the-go situational awareness.
Real-World Validation – Hearing directly from Ben Williams, Director of Security at Houston First, added meaningful context. End-user feedback like his is invaluable and far more insightful than standard marketing claims from manufacturers.
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