The 2011 Colorado 9-1-1 Issues Summit witnessed school safety experts coming together with public safety innovators to promote community partnering and communications interoperability between school districts and 9-1-1 services.

To manage the chaos during a school emergency, new communications technologies are enabling schools to more closely work with 9-1-1. The panelists pointed to improved situation size-up, more effective 9-1-1 calls, and better coordination between schools and response agencies before and after the arrival of first responders in discussing pilot programs underwritten by SchoolSAFE Communications.

Panelists included: Chris Olson, Manager of Safety and Security for Advantage Security Incorporated; Mike Coleman, Vice President of Business Development for SchoolSAFE Communications; Kathy Morris, Regional Safe School Coordinator for the San Juan BOCES; Todd Skoglund, president of Signet North America; and Jeff Miller, Superintendent of Schools in Clear Creek County.

According to moderator John Simmons, the speakers are making themselves available to help districts implement Colorado Senate Bill 11-173, Interoperable Communications in Schools. Signed into law this summer by Governor John Hickenlooper, the measure was introduced by Senator Steve King. According to the panel, schools must reach out to local 9-1-1 agencies and include them in their safety plans, training, drills, exercises, and evaluations, the company stated in a press release.

Douglas County officials announced that their E911 Authority is providing $1.1 million in new funding to implement interoperable communications in 67 school facilities in the county, at the governor's signing of SB11-173.

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