Automatic Active Shooter Response Can Help Save Lives

Automatic Active Shooter Response Can Help Save Lives

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Active shooter incidents occur in the US on a regular basis at school campuses, office premises, etc. 277 incidents occurred between 2000-2018, resulting in 2430 casualties, according to the FBI. 

Emergency gunshot analytics technology often includes integrations between different security systems to quickly alert and protect people in an active shooter or armed robbery situation.

Upon discharge of a weapon, the active shooter software’s sound detector picks up that incident and a map of the facility pops up on each associates’ monitor, while simultaneously alerting central station, for an immediate police dispatch. The monitor shows what part of the building the shooter occupies. As the person moves throughout the building and fires more shots, the map updates in real time. The system alerts people of the danger, while giving them instant updates to choose the safest course of action. Depending on their location in relation to the gunman, this might mean hiding, and locking down a classroom, or fleeing altogether.

A new system can be linked to other systems, such as an access control and video system, to further ensure optimal safety. The moment the weapon is discharged, a building can go into automatic lockdown mode either by zone, floor or include the entire building. This response requires no human intervention.

In addition, active shooter technology can help create an access plan that makes use of cameras, audio detection and access controls using key cards and pin pads. This can include syncing with law enforcement to create a plan that is automatically carried out to the best of your system’s ability, in tandem with human responses.

Discreet in appearance, the technology can work in a variety of vertical markets, including providing full coverage for a large office complex to helping protect a defined high-risk area such as a hospital emergency room or a high-end retail store.