SOUTH YARMOUTH – Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School officials recently announced the use of new software to enhance school safety.
The district has signed a partnership with Boston-based In Force Technology to utilize its In Force911 product.
The app, which opens a three-way connection between school staff, police dispatch and patrol units in both towns, will be installed on phones laptops and other devices.
“This technology seems like the latest and greatest next step,” said Carol Woodbury, the district’s superintendent.
Once activated, staff are able to post alerts through the app so that other staff and officers know what the situation is, where it may be happening and possible suspect descriptions in emergency situations including active shooters.
Woodbury said the school district has never had technology like this that can immediately get in touch with first responders.
“This will give us an opportunity to put technology in the hands of all of our teachers and we think that is paramount if something were to happen in a building of getting the police here quickly but also being able to pinpoint where things are happening to give them better intel,” Woodbury said.
The app will also provide first responders with floor plans, surveillance cameras and other information to help them make the best decisions for the emergency situation.
More than 60 communities in Massachusetts and several other states.
Sandwich and Provincetown have signed agreements to use In Force911.
The software costs $3,000 for each school per year. There is also a smaller fee for the police departments.