TAVARES – Lake County Schools is adding another layer of security to its existing primary panic-button alert system. Integrating that system with security cameras on school campuses will immediately give first responders the exact indoor or outdoor emergency location and real-time camera feeds, saving crucial minutes in an effort to keep students and staff safe.

The new integration is the result of a partnership between the district, public safety and two private companies whose representatives say the district is the first in the nation to undertake this level of collaboration for school safety.

The new system will be fully implemented when school starts next month.

Here’s how it will work: All employees wear a panic-alert button provided by CENTEGIX, the industry’s largest provider of wearable safety technology. When an alert is triggered, it will immediately notify a system created by Fusus by Axon, a global public safety technology leader, activating school cameras in the vicinity of the alert. Within seconds, Lake County Sheriff’s Office staff in its newly created Real Time Crime Center will have eyes on the incident in order to direct deputies to the threat.

“This partnership will allow for real-time coordination between the district, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and both vendors,” said Joseph Mabry, director of Safety & Security for the school district. “By integrating these security layers, we increase safety by leveraging our existing investments. It’s a game-changer and a critical component in our strategy to provide a safe and secure learning environment in our schools.”

Brent Cobb, CEO of CENTEGIX, agreed. “Access to law enforcement and first responders is critical in emergencies. With this partnership, we immediately notify first responders where help is needed, with exact indoor or outdoor alert locations and real-time camera feeds. The faster the right response is provided to the right location, we save time and save lives,” he said.

“This partnership will further reduce response time in emergencies and ultimately save lives,” added Fusus by Axon Senior Vice President Chris Lindenau. “Integrating our proven technology solutions innovates a new chapter in safety – one where our communities feel safer and more protected. We are honored to collaborate on providing enhanced situational awareness to onsite and first responders and ultimately improve public safety in more places.”