DEWITT, NY (WSYR-TV) – After Friday’s deadly shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, many Central New York families are asking what security is in place at their local schools and if it is enough.
There is some unique technology the DeWitt Police Department uses that could help in that protection.
A few years ago, the department adopted the school imaging project. It’s a technology that gives officers complete access to every public and private school in town – providing them a detailed look inside.
“We know the amount of information available to police during a critical incident can directly impact the outcome of that event. If it’s in a school the response must come quickly and be executed completely,” said DeWitt Police Chief Eugene Conway.
“Tragically, we see that seconds can mean the difference between life and death.”
Officers can use the system from laptops in their patrol cars or at the station.
The technology gives officers a look at every angle in a building to help direct special teams to where they need to go.
“This actually gives a 360 degree view of every room and hallway, nook and cranny,” said Sgt. John Anton.
The imaging technology is not just for schools.
The DeWitt Police Department offers it to churches and other places where large groups of people gather that could be a target for an attack.
