New technology could keep Tulare County campuses and students safe
While Tulare students and teachers were enjoying winter break, law enforcement was actively testing out ActVnet – a system meant to help authorities gain access to a school’s cameras and site plans during an active shooter event or emergency situation occurring on campus.
Tulare County first responders, fire departments and law enforcement participated in three active shooter demonstrations at Sundale Union School in early January.
"With each scenario, dispatchers from various agencies guided onsite law enforcement to apprehend the mock intruder," a press release from Tulare County Office of Education reads, "utilizing the Sundale camera system integrated with the school’s site plan."
School district personnel throughout the county watched the demonstrations using the ActVnet system.
"We appreciate the support of the staff and administration at Sundale for allowing us to utilize their campus to demonstrate the latest developments to ActVnet," said Tim Hire, Tulare County Superintendent of Schools. "Every California school is required to develop a safe school plan. This powerful tool takes those plans and converts them into actions in the event of an emergency."
Developers working on the ActVnet system are working to implement the technology throughout 10 Tulare County school districts – including 32 schools.
Farmersville, Lindsay, Porterville, Tulare, Visalia, and Woodlake police departments participated in the event; joined by Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, CalFire, Tulare City Fire Department, LifeStar Ambulance and Kaweah Health Medical Center.
ActVnet was conceived by Tulare County Office of Education’s CHOICES Program.
Lauren Jennings covers education and news for the Visalia Times-Delta/Tulare Advance-Register. Follow her on Twitter @lolojennings. Get alerts and keep up on all things Tulare County for as little as $1 a month. Subscribe today.
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