Mahoning County Sheriff announces steps to ensure safety of students, teachers and school staff

Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene said he is taking steps to ensure the safety of students, teachers and school staff in the area.

The Mahoning County Commissioners recently approved an agreement between the Sheriff and the New Jersey-based Critical Response Group to implement a state-of-the-art mapping program for schools across the county.

Greene said he recognized the value of the technology as well as the need to enhance security response in the event of an emergency and won the support of school administrators.

The project will provide standardized maps that can be utilized by 911 dispatchers, the Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement, as well as tactical units, fire departments, emergency medical services. He said these mapping programs would then integrate with existing school safety measures to provide a common platform that provides clear and consistent information for both first responding agencies and school personnel during critical incidents.

Critical Response Group was established in Hamilton, NJ ten years ago by former military Special Operations veterans. Today, CRG has provided mapping and software to more than 40,000 schools, colleges and critical infrastructure facilities across the country. In addition, the company has been chosen to provide statewide mapping programs in eight states.

Once the mapping project has been completed, CRG’s team will conduct training exercises with school officials and first responders to help improve response procedures and efforts.

Greene said he would like to thank the County Commissioners for their support in the endeavor and their approval at the recent Board meeting.