BEDFORD (WSLS 10) - A new, high-tech security system will be installed in Bedford County Schools that will allow police to respond in only seconds to an emergency situation.
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Friday, the Bedford County Sheriff Department joined with Bedford County Schools to formally announce the start of a security project, COPsync, for all elementary, middle and high schools in Bedford County.
COPsync operates the nation's largest law enforcement real-time, in-car information sharing, communications and date interoperability network. The system can inform patrol officers of the threat faster than dialing 9-1-1; hence, the patrol units arrive on the scene quicker and equipped with up-to-the-minute situational information about the unfolding emergency.
Mr. Brandon Flanagan, CEO of COPsync says the new system not only alerts police, but send them real-time data including floor plans of the schools and which route is recommended in case of an emergency.
Bedford County Sheriff Mike Brown says his attempt to hire additional School Resource Officers for the elementary schools were unnsuccessful. He says he spoke with other law enforcement agencies and school districts throughout the country on alternative methods to provide as much physical and personnel security as possible to the teachers and children in our school system. With recommendations from out of state law enforcement and state school districts, he says the COPsync program was a clear winner.