Aug 10 2015
Battelle has advanced into the second phase of its installation of the SiteGuard® Active Shooter Response system at a Columbus, Ohio-area high school.
This image explains how Battelle SiteGuard Active Shooter Response works.
An initial version of the integrated system, including the core gunshot detection, location and notification system, was installed in the Reynoldsburg school in May 2014 and was the first of its kind in the nation.
When fully implemented, the system is designed to exceed the limited effectiveness of traditional gunshot detection systems which simply detect and alert. The Battelle system was designed to save lives by protecting people from active shooters in the critical first minutes of such an event. From the first gunshot until police intervention, the modular system automates and accelerates 911 calls and mass notifications, provides evacuation or shelter-in-place guidance, and enables automated or remote manual closing and/or locking of doors to deny or delay shooter access to additional victims. All this is done while simultaneously providing valuable information to first responders to speed their response and improve officer safety.
The current rollout includes a refined user interface, expanded gunshot detection coverage and adds features such as integration with the school's video management system to help verify and track a potential shooter in the building.
"We are always seeking better ways to protect our students and teachers in Reynoldsburg City Schools," said Tina Thomas-Manning, Reynoldsburg's superintendent. "Battelle's science capability and world-class reputation for supporting education initiatives gave us confidence to give the system a trial run and evaluate its capabilities."
The core of the SiteGuard Active Shooter Response (ASR) system is the trusted Battelle SiteGuard monitoring and control system, which has protected some of the nation's highest risk buildings for more than a decade. SiteGuard allows integration with a range of life safety and security sensors and interfaces with different building control systems, tailored to individual user needs.
"The initial version of SiteGuard ASR performed very well -- demonstrating 100 percent detection of blank gunshot firings," said Jim Risser, chief technologist for Battelle's critical infrastructure business. "During the past year, we have made continuous improvements to enhance the user interface, provide additional response features and lower system cost."
Already equipped to make automated notifications and initiate protective responses faster and more reliably than humans, SiteGuard ASR is ideal for active shooter scenarios.
"Our job of keeping children safe at school can be accomplished more efficiently with the advancements in new technology," said Officer Nicholas Keisel, Reynoldsburg Police Department and school resource officer. "Last year, Battelle tested a new system at a Reynoldsburg school that can immediately alert students, staff and first responders to any danger on school grounds. We are confident that this system will provide crucial and timely information to reduce confusion and response times for first responders."
Reynoldsburg City Schools was selected for the Battelle SiteGuard Active Shooter Response system installation based on its proficiencies in technical sophistication and modern building construction.