Parents of Parkland victims see automated response technology as key solution

PARKLAND, Fla.—It has been seven years since the devastating shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that killed 14 students and three faculty members. 

In this time, parents Andrew Pollack and Ryan Petty have carefully analyzed the preventable failures that contributed to the loss of their children, advocating for actions to make schools safer at local, state, and federal levels.

Today, advancements in cloud-based technology provide an opportunity to enhance school security effectively. Specifically, automated response systems that utilize AI can address one of the leading causes of emergency response failures - human error and delayed reactions. Pollack and Petty believe that automating emergency protocols is essential. With just one press of a button, these systems can lock down buildings and alert first responders, providing them with critical video feeds and situational awareness to act swiftly in emergencies.

“Human beings make mistakes in high-stress situations,” Petty noted. “Even those who have received extensive training may freeze or forget their protocols, which can lead to tragic outcomes.”

“During an emergency, every second counts,” Pollack emphasized. “The technology I've seen from XSponse is a significant advancement. Their system triggers an automated response during any school emergency. If such a system had been implemented at my daughter’s school, it could have made a significant difference. Meadow might still be with us today if this technology had been available.”

Pollack highlights that the XSponse ecosystem enhances operational effectiveness by reducing delays and mistakes associated with human response. “In Parkland and other incidents, first responders didn’t receive timely alerts or necessary data to make informed decisions quickly,” he added.

Petty, who has extensive experience in security technology, stated, “We need to remove the human component from incident response. The XSponse wearable badge is a critical tool for rapid response. It allows school staff to initiate lockdowns easily while simultaneously alerting first responders and providing information throughout the building.”

“What we hoped for is now a reality,” Pollack explained. “With a trackable badge, first responders can know exactly where a teacher is during an emergency.”

With building mapping and smart monitoring, the location of any incident is instantly accessible. In situations involving intruders, first responders can observe and track the situation in real-time, allowing them to enter at the right spot and act decisively.

“We want our kids to be safe at all times,” Petty said. “This system can be activated during fights, medical emergencies, fires, or instances of bullying.”

Providing timely information to students and teachers during incidents is crucial, which is why classrooms need visual displays for alerts and directions. Pollack advocates for screens and cameras in classrooms, saying, "These tools eliminate blind spots and ensure everyone is informed."

The XSponse smart display shares critical information and features a camera protected by a patented sliding door, preserving privacy until emergencies arise.

Pollack and Petty have collaborated with state and federal leaders, contributing to meaningful recommendations for automating responses and reducing human error. They believe that parents and advocates now have a renewed chance to encourage officials to invest in technology-driven solutions. The AI-enhanced cloud technology available today can not only protect innocent students but also enhance the safety of communities nationwide.