New York County Approves $2 Million for Smartphone Security App for Schools

New York County Approves $2 Million for Smartphone Security App for Schools

The licensing fee will allow the county's schools, both public and private, to have free access to the Rave Panic Button app.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • July 26, 2018

Schools in Suffolk County will now have free access to a smartphone-based application that alerts authorities in the event of an active shooter situation, county officials announced.

Suffolk County officials signed legislation for a $2 million bond to cover the licensing of the Rave Panic Button for public and private schools across the county.

When administrators and faculty at participating schools are faced with an emergency, they can activate the application on a smartphone, which immediately calls 911 and simultaneously alerts other personnel. It also allows communication between law enforcement and first responders with those on the school premises, and provides up-to-date information that responders may need, such as the layout of the school building.

Concerns surrounding safety were amplified this past school year after mass shootings at Majory Stoneman Douglas High School and Sante Fe High School. Districts across Long Island, New York have been working to increase safety measures, including updates to building infrastructure, hiring additional school security staff and boosting mental heath services for students.

"Unfortunately, we know when tragedy strikes, every second, every minute is crucial,” Kings Park school district Superintendent Timothy Eagen said. “The Rave mobile app is the best way that we can get emergency management, first responders, Suffolk County PD, and even our own staff in the know immediately in terms of what’s going on."

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

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