GREENFIELD — A program that enables users to alert police to an active shooter incident with the click of a button is now being implemented in schools across the county.
Late last year, county officials announced plans to launch the Rave Panic Button — a mobile app that allows users to quickly report an emergency situation and automatically circulate a warning to other users nearby — in every school building across Hancock County and county-owned buildings, including the courthouse and courthouse annex.
The county’s contract allows specific personnel to download the app, and is being implemented, said John Jokantas, director of Hancock County 911.
Users have been training on the app since earlier this year. He declined to detail information about when the roll-out process will be complete, citing safety concerns.
The Rave Panic Button shortens emergency-response times and improves safety for people in immediate need of help, officials said.
By pushing a button, employees indicate the emergency — whether it’s a medical problem or active shooter — while being connected to 911. At the same time, an alert goes to everyone in the building who is on a pre-determined distribution list, such as staff in a school.
Once activated, all the county’s law enforcement officers — even those who are off duty — also receive a text notification about the emergency, allowing them to respond quicker than ever, officials say.
When authorized users launch the app on their smartphone, they have five emergency options to choose from: active shooter, fire, medical, police and other.
For staff members on the distribution list, the text notification they receive allows them to immediately take action — whether that’s locking down or rushing to the scene to administer medical attention.
For law enforcement officers, the text lets them know an emergency situation is unfolding. They can respond before anyone dials 911.
As the emergency incident unfolds, the 911 center will be able to sent text updates to on-site personnel to keep them informed.
The program is more user-friendly than panic buttons previously installed in schools. Those traditionally are located at one desk and can’t easily be accessed if the user is away from it, officials said. But most people carry their cellphones on them, so the button is always there.
