Call for Enhanced School Safety Measures Following Tragedy
In light of the recent tragic shooting at Brown University, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has emphasized the urgent need to expand the county’s 911 Panic Button program throughout New York State. This incident, which involved a gunman still at large, has sparked Blakeman’s push for schools to have the capability to alert local police immediately in the event of a threat.
Blakeman, a Republican candidate for governor, has urged Albany and Governor Cathy Hochul to implement a system similar to Nassau’s RAVE panic button. This single-tap emergency alert technology allows school officials to alert law enforcement and first responders quickly, potentially saving lives.
“Nassau County has proactively provided schools and first responders with necessary tools,” he stated, advocating for the introduction of this panic button technology in all public schools and universities across the state.
He reflected on the recent mass shooting at Brown University, describing it as a heartbreaking reminder of the pressing need for action. Two lives were lost, and nine others were injured, highlighting the significance of swift responses to threats.
Since its inception under previous county executive Ed Mangano in 2016, Nassau’s program has allowed schools to initiate immediate emergency responses with just one button press, share vital information, lock down facilities, and reduce communication delays. The local law enforcement now has real-time access to school security footage during emergencies, which aids in assessing situations and coordinating an effective response.
In response to these advocacy efforts, a spokesperson for Hochul emphasized that school safety is indeed a priority. They noted that New York City has already taken significant steps against gun violence, including strict gun laws and reinforcing the state’s red flag law.
Nonetheless, Blakeman pointed out that while the state has made some moves towards enhancing school safety, such as Alissa’s Law, which encourages silent panic warning systems, it doesn’t mandate such measures. He argues that this omission leaves students at risk and delays emergency responses, labeling the lack of state-wide implementation a “failure of priorities.”
“Our children should not be on the back burner. Families in New York deserve the same level of protection we have in Nassau County,” he asserted, adding that as Governor, he would aim to extend this effective approach to every school district in New York, stressing that protecting children is of utmost importance.
