With the proliferation of gun violence in schools, ensuring the safety of our children is paramount. Over the past decade alone, there have been 1,674 incidents of school shootings in US K-12 schools. This staggering statistic has left staff and students across the nation living in daily fear of becoming victims of the next mass shooting, fostering feelings of helplessness and powerlessness.
Today's schools are in crisis.
In response to the alarming increase in mass shootings in K-12 schools across the United States, a dedicated group of security professionals and non-profit funders with a focus on children’s safety founded the nonprofit The Center for Applied Technologies for School Security (CATS2) . The CATS2 Foundation aims to combat school shootings in primary and secondary schools by leveraging cutting-edge technologies to deter, mitigate, and minimize such incidents. At its core, CATS2 is driven by a profound desire to safeguard our nation’s most precious assets — our children — from harm.
The Critical First Minutes
The foundation’s primary focus is on an attack's crucial first few minutes. The actions taken during these initial moments are vital and can significantly influence the outcome of the event. Teachers and students present at the scene must act swiftly and effectively.
The Need for Specialized Tools
Alongside clear procedures and training, there is an urgent need for effective emergency response tools tailored specifically to K-12 school environments. During active shooter attacks, professional law enforcement officers (LEO) and emergency response personnel (ERP) are often minutes away from the scene leaving teachers and students to fend for themselves. To address this gap, CATS2 has supported the development of Owl for Schools.
Introducing Owl for Schools
Owl for Schools is a school-friendly emergency instruction, communication, and orchestration solution designed to manage chaotic situations during a live attack. It is intended for non-security professionals on-site to aid emergency response teams in situational awareness. The foundation aims to make this tool available to all K-12 schools in the United States and free of charge to those who need it.
Key Features of Owl for Schools
· Instant Readiness with Pre-downloadable User App: The app can be downloaded in advance, ensuring instant readiness. This feature allows all users—students, teachers, and staff—to have the app at their fingertips, ready to use at a moment’s notice. The pre-downloadable nature of the app eliminates the need for last-minute downloads in emergencies, ensuring seamless communication when it matters most.
· Geo-location-based Emergency Notifications: In an emergency, every second counts. Owl for Schools leverages geo-location technology to send out emergency notifications based on the user’s location. This means users receive alerts tailored to their location, allowing for a more targeted and effective response.
· Geo-location-based Situational Awareness and Orchestration: One stop visual emergency orchestration map based on firsthand reports. Gives a birds-eye-view of the situation. Local LE and ERP can receive copies, streamlining their response to the emergency.
Owl for Schools is more than just a safety app and emergency orchestration tool; it’s a tool that empowers schools to take control of their safety protocols. It stands as a testament to the power of intentional tech innovation in the face of adversity. Together, we can make our schools safer places for everyone.
