Sonitrol Releases School Alert for Improved School Safety

October 24, 2006 - School security provider Sonitrol announces School Alert for increased safety and security. This solution is specifically designed to meet the needs of schools and universities and it complements Sonitrol’s existing verified audio intrusion alarm, access control, video and fire monitoring solutions currently in use by over 12,000 school locations across North America.

The School Alert security solution consists of placing fixed “panic buttons” in common areas around the school and even in classrooms for maximum protection. School Alert can also include “wireless emergency buttons” carried by school administrators via lanyard or keychain that can be activated anywhere throughout the school.

“We worked with Sonitrol to put panic buttons in all of our school buildings. We consider this additional measure a critical component of our overall security plan,” said Jeff Bryan, Director of Buildings and Grounds, Red Lion Area School District of York County, PA.

When pressed, these panic / emergency buttons can activate the Sonitrol audio sensors and / or video cameras, which are placed strategically throughout the school. Sonitrol’s monitoring personnel can now hear or see events occurring on the premises in “real-time.” Operators in turn relay exactly what is happening to responding law enforcement, providing critical details to ensure they are equipped with all the information they need to effectively handle the situation.

Sonitrol’s access control solution further enhances security with an integrated door control system that allows schools to limit and control access to the building as well as theft-prone areas such as computer rooms, science laboratories and administrative offices.

“Sonitrol works with thousands of schools across the country to implement emergency buttons throughout their facilities,” said Sonitrol president Alex Gellman. “School Alert is one of the many proactive approaches schools should take in protecting students, faculty and the facility against school crime. Sonitrol’s verified electronic security systems are designed to give schools comprehensive coverage without making students feel like they are walking into a prison.”

Through its Safe Schools initiative, Sonitrol has been protecting schools for over 40 years and its proven technology has helped law enforcement apprehend over 156,000 suspects since 1977.

In 2005 alone, Sonitrol assisted law enforcement in apprehending 2,521 suspects with 54% of those apprehensions occurring at schools. Visit www.sonitrol.com/solutionsedu.html for additional information about school security, including a risk assessment worksheet, security guidelines, and a special resource guide that features recommended strategies for how school officials, working together with faculty, parents, students, law enforcement and community leaders can maximize school security. In addition, Sonitrol hosts free Safe Schools Seminars for educators in cities around the country that teach preventative security measures to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff.

About Sonitrol
Sonitrol Corporation is the leading provider of Verified Response security solutions for schools and businesses in North America. Founded by a policeman, the company's technology was created to increase apprehensions and reduce false alarms. Sonitrol's proprietary audio verification capability has assisted local law enforcement in the apprehension of more than 156,000 suspects since 1977. Its integrated suite of offerings includes audio intrusion alarms, access control, video surveillance and fire detection. For more information on Sonitrol and its integrated security solutions, please visit the company's website at www.sonitrol.com.