Security App Connects Law Enforcement Institutions to Reduce Response Times

Security App Connects Law Enforcement Institutions to Reduce Response Times

IN FORCE 911 allows staff to quickly launch an emergency alert and facilitates quick communication between victims and police.

The sheriff’s department in Jackson County, West Virginia has become the latest institution to adopt an app aimed at reducing police response time, particularly during active shooter incidents and other emergencies.

IN FORCE 911 sends alerts and messages directly to terminals and devices of police officers who are closest to a specific incident instead of routing calls through a dispatch system. The app also allows courthouse employees to launch an emergency alert within seconds rather than minutes through the traditional system, according to a company release.

In the event of an emergency, the alert is sent to the dispatch center, police cruisers and officers’ cell phones with specific information, including the building and room where the alert originated. The alert also opens a two-way chat dialogue that allows staff to communicate further details of the threat to first responders.

First responders can also gain access to floor plans for buildings, security camera feeds and other emergency information to help plan their response, the release said. The app’s launch in Jackson County will connect the sheriff’s department, the county courthouse and the Ripley Police Department, which is located in the county.

“In today's world, having technology activated that will immediately connect courthouse employees, the sheriff's department and local law enforcement simply makes sense," Jackson County Sheriff Tony Boggs said in a statement. "It is reassuring for everyone to know they can report a dangerous or suspicious situation to police and reach them in seconds. As we all know, time is of the essence in an emergency."

The department and In Force Technology, the company that produces the app, also recently delivered a presentation to the leadership of the Jackson County school district about potentially installing the software in school buildings. The software is now used by more than 40 communities — largely school districts — in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina, the release said.

IN FORCE 911 is not the only app that has been adopted by school districts and law enforcement in the past several years following a series of deadly school shootings. The Rave Guardian app has been deployed at campuses across the country and has a popular feature that allows students and staff to press an alert button that sends their location to campus police or local law enforcement.

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services
  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.