The start of the 2021-2022 school year started as though it was a normal year. Masks were no longer required and the infamous “people mover” had been discontinued. As the threat of the Covid-19 pandemic lessened, the issue surrounding student and staff safety has stayed at large.
In the summer of 2021, Northview Public Schools installed the BluePoint Police Dispatch Systems. The BluePoint System is a rapid response system used in the event of an active shooter. Characterized by a blue build similar to that of a fire alarm, when pulled, the BluePoint system bypasses a 911 call and notifies the police directly.
“The average response time for an active shooter is 3-5 minutes for police. If you had to try to make the 911 phone call, you’re adding time to that,” school safety deputy, Deputy Michael Allen said.
The BluePoint System also addresses the complexities of personal technology might have during an emergency.
“In high school most kids have cell phones. If we had an incident, everyone would call 911. You’re going to get a lot of mixed information so this streamlines it to where you don’t have to call 911,” Allen.
In the event that the system is activated, blue lights would begin flashing on the exterior of the high school and in high populations, such as the cafeteria and athletic areas. The newly installed PA System will play a digital recording stating, “The BluePoint System has been activated. The school is now in lockdown. Follow lockdown procedures: Lock, lights, out of sight. The police have been notified.”
When the system is activated at the high school, all the buildings in the district are notified.
“It sends out a notification to all the administrators, so we can lock down this entire campus with one pull of the system. Every [building] will get a notification and then be locked down,” Allen said.
The principals at West Oakview, East Oakview and Highlands will also be notified of the lockdown taking place at the main campus. Those buildings will be put into “Secure,” previously known as code yellow.
Students are encouraged to utilize the system in any instances where suspicious activity is taking place.
“If a student sees somebody suspicious carrying a suspicious bag or backpack, checking doors, trying to get inside and they activate the system, it empowers them to make an informed decision to hopefully save as many lives as they can,” Allen said. “They all have the authority and the ability to do it.”