Ithaca demos new shot detector system, needs state help

ITHACA, Wis (WRCO / WRCE) – School shootings have been top of mind for many. The Ithaca School District is confronting the issue of school shootings head-on. To better prepare for the worst, the district has teamed up with Shooter Detection Systems. Faculty and staff were able to see how the technology works and decide whether it’s worth the investment at a demonstration this past week.

The technology introduced detects when and where a gun is fired on a property. It then alerts security personnel, law enforcement, or any other emergency responders the district chooses to link the system to. Marty Richards, facilities and transportation chairperson on the school board emphasized how the demo revealed the system could improve law enforcement response times, an important aspect for rural areas.

Using a listening device and infrared sensor, the technology would help responders quickly locate suspects once they’re on-site, significantly reducing threat response time.

In order to implement the system, the district needs help from the state. The level of state aid has not increased since 2011, limiting the budget for safety systems and other essential infrastructure.

**Article publisher, Adam D. Hess, is an employee of WRCO FM, Civic Media, and the Ithaca School District.

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