New York governor chooses Mutualink K12 technology for real-time communication between schools and first responders

Wallingford, Conn., December 2, 2014 – Mutualink continues to expand its network of connected communities with a pilot program of Mutualink K12 at 20 schools in New York’s Oneida and Rockland counties. This follows the successful roll-out of the Mutualink system in Dartmouth, Massachusetts earlier this year. By joining the Interoperable Response and Preparedness Platform (IRAPP) network, these schools now have a direct link to police and other entities on the network as and when needed. In real-world simulations, Mutualink’s system has been shown to cut emergency response time by as much as 50 percent.

Mutualink is an IP-based secure multi-media communications platform used to improve real-time communications and information sharing. It bridges radio, video, telephone and public address/intercom systems, giving first responders increased situational awareness and improving response time. Mutualink K12 is designed and licensed exclusively for K-12 schools, addressing the specific needs and limited budgets of school systems.

“With the addition of the K12 program to Mutualink’s core offering, we are making is easier for schools to share voice and video with first responders, as Oneida and Rockland County’s schools will experience beginning later this month,” said Mark Hatten, CEO of Mutualink. “Our vision is to connect schools and first responders in communities across the nation, providing real-time communications that will protect students, teachers and school officials on a daily basis.”

The Mutualink K12 solution includes panic buttons that instantly initiate emergency response, automatically engaging radio and video communications. Schools using Mutualink K12 maintain complete control over with whom they share video, audio and other information. All communications are encrypted for maximum security. An online event to acquaint school administrators and law enforcement communications professionals with the technology will be held on December 11, 2 pm EST. Interested parties can join the webinar: Introduction to Mutualink K12: School Safety Technology.

Oneida and Rockland counties will each have 10 county-designated schools outfitted with a Mutualink system. The pilot program will be implemented later this month by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Interoperable and Emergency Communications, in conjunction with each county’s sheriff’s office or emergency management office.