Colleyville (WBAP/KLIF News) – At least three developers are designing smart phone applications that aim to help security and police respond to active shooters.
The University of Texas at Austin is considering several apps that would provide campus security exact locations of users and give them the chance to call or text the people reporting issues.
“They’re looking at this, and they’re saying, ‘We’ve had some situations on campus. What is the best app our students can carry that if they get into trouble, they can notify authorities?'” says Sheryl Maas.
Maas lives in Colleyville and has worked for the International Trade Administration. She designed an app that aims to give a user’s exact location to security at a school, mall or theater.
“Movie theaters are a really soft target. They’ve had shootings in the past, but a lot of times, they’ve got teenagers working there and a manager,” Maas says.
Maas’ app, called Guardian Zone, lets users report an active shooter, suspicious person or medical emergency. Users can upload a picture that would go to campus police or security at a mall or theater.
“Police, when they go to a bank robbery and ask people what the suspect looked like and they get different heights, different clothes,” she says. “Now, you can get a picture and send it right to security.”
Maas’ app is not connected to any security systems right now. She says she is working with stores and UT-Austin to determine what they would need to make the app most useful.
The app would be free for users. The businesses would pay to be connected. Maas says security groups are asking for a way to send information more quickly to police.
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