Latest news with #CriticalResponseGroup
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bill proposed to expand critical incident mapping to all Wisconsin technical colleges
Wisconsin lawmakers are seeking to pass legislation that would provide grants for technical colleges to provide mapping data to law enforcement in crisis scenarios. Here's everything you need to know about Assembly Bill 298: Critical incident mapping acts as a digital blueprint that allows police officers entering a building to know exactly where rooms, doors and windows are located. The maps also include real-time police trackers that reduce the likelihood of "blue-on-blue" conflicts during crises, where police run into one another thinking they're facing a threat. Critical Response Group is the company that creates the digital maps. Trish Kilpin, executive director of the Office of School Safety, said quick and accurate access to information is imperative in an emergency. She added that schools and emergency responders benefit from maps that use modern technology. "Real time access to maps and specific, real time data improves navigation and communication in an emergency, when seconds count," Kilpin said in an email. "When we enable responders to intervene efficiently, we improve crisis related outcomes, and mitigate the impact of prolonged distress." According to a May 22 memo sent out by Rep. Ron Tusler, R-Harrison, and Sen. Jesse James, R-Thorp, the proposal would build on 2021 Wisconsin Act 109, a unanimously supported effort to execute critical incident mapping in all K-12 schools in the state. Under the bill, the mapping tool would be expanded to all Wisconsin technical college campus facilities. The grant program would require a joint application from technical college presidents and local law enforcement to ensure communication and enhance safety, according to the memo. Katy Pettersen, director of strategic advancement for the Wisconsin Technical College System, said the system has not yet reviewed the full details of the bill. "The Wisconsin Technical College System supports initiatives to enhance campus safety and security, while supporting the ability of emergency responders to respond swiftly and accurately during emergencies," Pettersen said in an email. According to Tusler and James' memo, potential benefits of critical incident mapping at technical colleges include enhanced situational awareness for first responders, quicker response times, improved training and added value to broader data systems. The bill would make $1.5 million available for statewide technical colleges for the next two years, said Nick Schultz, spokesperson for Tusler. He added that the money should be enough to cover all technical colleges that want to apply for a critical incident mapping grant. In a June 3 public hearing held by the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety, Tusler said Wisconsin universities were "just not ready to do that yet." He added that he would entertain an amendment if the universities become interested in the grant program, and that he hopes to implement critical incident mapping at all Wisconsin higher education institutions in the future. Critical incident mapping is already being used in public and private Wisconsin K-12 schools. In 2022-23, the DOJ reported that 185 schools and districts were awarded grants to submit mapping data to law enforcement. Act 109, which launched in July 2022, allocated $2 million in grant funding to support interactive mapping of K-12 buildings and facilities. Demand exceeded available funds, and the Wisconsin Legislature allocated an additional $2.5 million in June 2023. The maps in the K-12 schools have been used during recent Wisconsin shootings to assist law enforcement in responding quickly, according to Tusler and James' memo. Schultz said the bill is a response to crises like the December mass shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison. Tusler said timely law enforcement intervention at Abundant Life made a difference in the number of lives saved, compared to crises like the Uvalde school shooting in Texas, where 19 students and two teachers died. At the Abundant Life shooting, one student and one teacher died, in addition to the shooter. "At Uvalde, it took 77 minutes before law enforcement was inside and addressing the shooter. At Abundant Life here in Madison, it took the Dane County Sheriff's Department just three minutes from the call to get in the building," Tusler said during the public hearing. Tusler said a key part of the quick response at Abundant Life was how organized and prepared the police were thanks to critical incident mapping. The proposal is supported by the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association and the Fraternal Order of Police. Ryan Windorff, president of the Wisconsin Fraternal Order of Police, called critical incident mapping a "common-sense step" to improve law enforcement response times. "Historically, blueprint access varied by jurisdiction, making standardized mapping vital," Windorff said in an email. "Before Act 109, K-12 schools used physical blueprints, often inaccessible or outdated. Police access to blueprints varied by jurisdiction." There is no known organized opposition to the bill. The goal is to pass the bill as quickly as possible to show that there is broad support for critical incident mapping in technical colleges, Schultz said. The Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety was scheduled to hold an executive session June 11. Schultz said he does not foresee members of either political party disagreeing with the bill, but that the team wants to hear from any representatives who do. "This shouldn't be a controversial thing. This should be something everyone should support," Schultz said. Contact Mia Thurow at mthurow@ This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin bill would expand critical incident mapping to tech schools
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
SaferWatch and CRG Unite to Enhance School Safety in Florida Schools with Advanced Mapping Integration
Integration of Critical Response Group's Cutting-Edge Maps into SaferWatch Platform Boosts Emergency Response in Florida Schools and Around the Nation FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SaferWatch and Critical Response Group (CRG) today announced a new partnership and integration of CRG's critical incident mapping technology into the SaferWatch Command Center platform for thousands of schools in the State of Florida. Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Orange County Public Schools, Duval County School District, and Pinellas County School District, some of the State's largest districts, highlight the utilization of SaferWatch and CRG. This collaboration provides 911 dispatchers, school police, and first responders with instant access to detailed digital maps of every school campus – improving situational awareness and communication during emergencies when every second counts. Florida Schools and Florida 911 Centers have implemented this joint solution to aid in compliance with Florida House Bill 301 (2023), to assist local first responders in responding to emergencies in public schools by providing emergency response mapping data. "Our mission at SaferWatch has always been to bridge the information gap between the public and first responders," said Geno Roefaro, CEO of SaferWatch. "Integrating CRG's state-of- the-art maps into the SaferWatch platform takes that mission to the next level. Now, when an emergency alert is triggered on a campus, whether it's an active threat or a medical crisis, our 911 centers, police and first responder partners can immediately see exactly where it's happening and what resources are nearby. This kind of live situational intelligence is a game- changer – it means faster, more precise responses and ultimately safer outcomes for our schools, students and teachers." SaferWatch is a safety and security platform that has been used successfully throughout the State of Florida for the past 5 years which enables real-time communication between schools and law enforcement, including mobile panic alerts, two-way incident reporting, anonymous tips, mass notifications and more. Its 11-in-1 platform has been credited with helping prevent numerous incidents, including at least 13 planned school attacks since its launch. SaferWatch is widely adopted by thousands of schools, municipalities, agencies and 911 centers/PSAPs across the country, providing services to over 6,000 locations and 200+ public safety agencies. Founded by U.S. Special Operations veterans and public safety experts, CRG creates precise, high-resolution maps of building interiors and campuses – known as Collaborative Response Graphics® – that integrate floor plans, aerial imagery, and key emergency assets into one common operating picture. These visual tools allow all responders to "speak the same language" and coordinate effectively during a crisis. CRG is both the national leader in critical incident mapping and the leader in the State of Florida. CRG has mapped more than 2,500 schools in 54 counties across every region of the State, including counties like Escambia, Leon, Alachua, Duval, Brevard, Sarasota, Pinellas, Orange, Collier, St. Johns, and Miami-Dade. "CRG is interested in partnering with school safety companies that have a proven record of integrating their software thoroughly with a school district's public safety partners," said Mike Rodgers, CEO of CRG. "For a school map to be useful to first responders, it needs to be accurate, accessible, and understandable under stress. CRG ensures every school map we create is accurate and understandable, while SaferWatch provides one of the best integrations available to ensure school maps are accessible to front-line first responders." The integration works seamlessly: the moment a 911 call or panic alert is received from a school, the SaferWatch Command Center will pull up CRG's digital map for that campus in real- time, highlighting the precise location of the incident along with critical details. CRG's maps include room numbers, entry/exits, and important safety assets (like AEDs, Stop The Bleed kits, fire extinguishers, cameras and alarm systems), so first responders know exactly where to go and what to expect upon arrival. All of this information is shared across agencies through the SaferWatch platform without any new software required, as CRG's mapping data is compatible with the existing systems used by schools, police and 911 centers. Key features of the integration include: Live Campus Mapping: When an emergency alert or 911 call is triggered at a school, an up-to-date digital map of that campus automatically displays in the SaferWatch Command Center for dispatchers and responders, showing the precise location of the incident within the building or grounds. Room-Level Detail & Points of Interest: CRG's maps provide clearly labeled classrooms, offices, hallways and entry/exit points, as well as icons for important safety assets (e.g. first aid kits, defibrillators, fire alarms, cameras). This granular detail gives first responders pinpoint guidance to navigate complex school facilities. Unified Communication Platform: All stakeholders – 911 operators, local police, school district police, and other first responders – share the same real-time view and updates through the SaferWatch platform. This common operating picture eliminates confusion and ensures everyone is coordinating using identical information. Incident Updates: As an incident unfolds, any new information (e.g. a suspect's movement, areas secured, or students evacuated) can be annotated on the map and instantly disseminated to responders. This helps Incident Commanders adjust tactics on the fly as situations change. This powerful integration is designed to assist in a range of school emergency scenarios. In the case of a critical security threat like an active shooter, police can form a rapid action plan using the digital floorplans to contain the attacker and guide evacuations. For medical emergencies, dispatchers can direct school staff to the nearest lifesaving equipment (such as an AED and Stop The Bleed kit) while paramedics en route visualize exactly where to go upon arrival. By providing instant access to accurate campus maps, the SaferWatch-CRG integration reduces delays and confusion during critical incidents. About SaferWatch SaferWatch is a leading provider of safety and security software, offering a comprehensive platform for real-time incident reporting, mass notifications, and emergency communication. The platform connects citizens, schools, businesses, and public agencies on one network, enabling features such as anonymous tip submission, live video streaming to real-time crime centers, mobile panic alarms, and two-way messaging with law enforcement. SaferWatch has expanded to serve thousands of locations across the U.S., and has been instrumental in averting crimes and enhancing emergency preparedness at schools, public venues, workplaces, and major events. For more information, visit About Critical Response Group (CRG) Critical Response Group, Inc. is the nation's premier provider of critical incident mapping data for public safety. CRG's flagship product, Collaborative Response Graphics® (CRGs), combines gridded overlays with detailed floor plans, true-to-scale aerial imagery, and site-specific labels of key features to produce highly accurate maps usable under stress. These maps have been adopted by first responders and school districts nationwide to enhance coordination and situational awareness during crises. CRG has mapped over 20,000 schools across the country and partnered with numerous agencies to streamline emergency response – from everyday incidents to complex multi-agency operations. For more information on CRG's mission and technology, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SaferWatch Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
SaferWatch and CRG Unite to Enhance School Safety in Florida Schools with Advanced Mapping Integration
Integration of Critical Response Group's Cutting-Edge Maps into SaferWatch Platform Boosts Emergency Response in Florida Schools and Around the Nation FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SaferWatch and Critical Response Group (CRG) today announced a new partnership and integration of CRG's critical incident mapping technology into the SaferWatch Command Center platform for thousands of schools in the State of Florida. Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Orange County Public Schools, Duval County School District, and Pinellas County School District, some of the State's largest districts, highlight the utilization of SaferWatch and CRG. This collaboration provides 911 dispatchers, school police, and first responders with instant access to detailed digital maps of every school campus – improving situational awareness and communication during emergencies when every second counts. Florida Schools and Florida 911 Centers have implemented this joint solution to aid in compliance with Florida House Bill 301 (2023), to assist local first responders in responding to emergencies in public schools by providing emergency response mapping data. "Our mission at SaferWatch has always been to bridge the information gap between the public and first responders," said Geno Roefaro, CEO of SaferWatch. "Integrating CRG's state-of- the-art maps into the SaferWatch platform takes that mission to the next level. Now, when an emergency alert is triggered on a campus, whether it's an active threat or a medical crisis, our 911 centers, police and first responder partners can immediately see exactly where it's happening and what resources are nearby. This kind of live situational intelligence is a game- changer – it means faster, more precise responses and ultimately safer outcomes for our schools, students and teachers." SaferWatch is a safety and security platform that has been used successfully throughout the State of Florida for the past 5 years which enables real-time communication between schools and law enforcement, including mobile panic alerts, two-way incident reporting, anonymous tips, mass notifications and more. Its 11-in-1 platform has been credited with helping prevent numerous incidents, including at least 13 planned school attacks since its launch. SaferWatch is widely adopted by thousands of schools, municipalities, agencies and 911 centers/PSAPs across the country, providing services to over 6,000 locations and 200+ public safety agencies. Founded by U.S. Special Operations veterans and public safety experts, CRG creates precise, high-resolution maps of building interiors and campuses – known as Collaborative Response Graphics® – that integrate floor plans, aerial imagery, and key emergency assets into one common operating picture. These visual tools allow all responders to "speak the same language" and coordinate effectively during a crisis. CRG is both the national leader in critical incident mapping and the leader in the State of Florida. CRG has mapped more than 2,500 schools in 54 counties across every region of the State, including counties like Escambia, Leon, Alachua, Duval, Brevard, Sarasota, Pinellas, Orange, Collier, St. Johns, and Miami-Dade. "CRG is interested in partnering with school safety companies that have a proven record of integrating their software thoroughly with a school district's public safety partners," said Mike Rodgers, CEO of CRG. "For a school map to be useful to first responders, it needs to be accurate, accessible, and understandable under stress. CRG ensures every school map we create is accurate and understandable, while SaferWatch provides one of the best integrations available to ensure school maps are accessible to front-line first responders." The integration works seamlessly: the moment a 911 call or panic alert is received from a school, the SaferWatch Command Center will pull up CRG's digital map for that campus in real- time, highlighting the precise location of the incident along with critical details. CRG's maps include room numbers, entry/exits, and important safety assets (like AEDs, Stop The Bleed kits, fire extinguishers, cameras and alarm systems), so first responders know exactly where to go and what to expect upon arrival. All of this information is shared across agencies through the SaferWatch platform without any new software required, as CRG's mapping data is compatible with the existing systems used by schools, police and 911 centers. Key features of the integration include: Live Campus Mapping: When an emergency alert or 911 call is triggered at a school, an up-to-date digital map of that campus automatically displays in the SaferWatch Command Center for dispatchers and responders, showing the precise location of the incident within the building or grounds. Room-Level Detail & Points of Interest: CRG's maps provide clearly labeled classrooms, offices, hallways and entry/exit points, as well as icons for important safety assets (e.g. first aid kits, defibrillators, fire alarms, cameras). This granular detail gives first responders pinpoint guidance to navigate complex school facilities. Unified Communication Platform: All stakeholders – 911 operators, local police, school district police, and other first responders – share the same real-time view and updates through the SaferWatch platform. This common operating picture eliminates confusion and ensures everyone is coordinating using identical information. Incident Updates: As an incident unfolds, any new information (e.g. a suspect's movement, areas secured, or students evacuated) can be annotated on the map and instantly disseminated to responders. This helps Incident Commanders adjust tactics on the fly as situations change. This powerful integration is designed to assist in a range of school emergency scenarios. In the case of a critical security threat like an active shooter, police can form a rapid action plan using the digital floorplans to contain the attacker and guide evacuations. For medical emergencies, dispatchers can direct school staff to the nearest lifesaving equipment (such as an AED and Stop The Bleed kit) while paramedics en route visualize exactly where to go upon arrival. By providing instant access to accurate campus maps, the SaferWatch-CRG integration reduces delays and confusion during critical incidents. About SaferWatch SaferWatch is a leading provider of safety and security software, offering a comprehensive platform for real-time incident reporting, mass notifications, and emergency communication. The platform connects citizens, schools, businesses, and public agencies on one network, enabling features such as anonymous tip submission, live video streaming to real-time crime centers, mobile panic alarms, and two-way messaging with law enforcement. SaferWatch has expanded to serve thousands of locations across the U.S., and has been instrumental in averting crimes and enhancing emergency preparedness at schools, public venues, workplaces, and major events. For more information, visit About Critical Response Group (CRG) Critical Response Group, Inc. is the nation's premier provider of critical incident mapping data for public safety. CRG's flagship product, Collaborative Response Graphics® (CRGs), combines gridded overlays with detailed floor plans, true-to-scale aerial imagery, and site-specific labels of key features to produce highly accurate maps usable under stress. These maps have been adopted by first responders and school districts nationwide to enhance coordination and situational awareness during crises. CRG has mapped over 20,000 schools across the country and partnered with numerous agencies to streamline emergency response – from everyday incidents to complex multi-agency operations. For more information on CRG's mission and technology, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SaferWatch Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
