Wichita Public Schools may soon implement potentially lifesaving technology aimed at reducing response times during school emergencies.
In partnership with the Wichita Police Department (WPD), the district is looking to adopt a new system that allows direct communication between teachers and law enforcement during crisis situations, such as school shootings.
Direct Link Between Teachers and Police
The Wichita Police Department is now authorized to apply for the COPS School Violence Protection Program grant, which could fund technology that lets teachers immediately alert law enforcement through a mobile app.
This app provides real-time communication, including exact locations, suspect descriptions, and updates during critical incidents.
According to WPD Captain Aaron Moses, “There’s the ability to provide information to the police department, like where an incident is occurring, what a suspect or person may look like and where police need to go when they get to a school.”
First in Kansas to Use the Technology
While other U.S. school districts have already adopted similar technologies, no school in Kansas has implemented this level of direct emergency communication. If the grant is approved, Wichita Public Schools would be the first in the state to deploy the system.
Terri Moses, Director of USD 259 Safety and Environmental Services, emphasized the urgency and impact of this potential upgrade:
“The quicker we get a response to an area where it’s needed, the better.”
Lifesaving Potential of Faster Notifications
The primary benefit of this technology lies in its ability to cut down emergency response time, which could save lives and reduce injuries during violent incidents.
“Anytime we can reduce the time it takes to notify someone there’s a concern, we have the opportunity to save lives, to mitigate risk, to reduce the amount of injury,” Moses added.
By applying for the COPS grant, Wichita is taking a bold step to improve school safety and give educators a tool that could make a life-or-death difference during emergencies.
If approved, this technology will place Wichita at the forefront of school security innovation in Kansas.