The PSNI in Lisburn has teamed up with schools’ computing organisation C2k to implement an innovative system which allows police to share community safety information instantly with dozens of schools.

Launched in Lisburn today, the School Alert network uses custom-designed technology to enable police to pass on information to every school in the Lisburn district via text messaging, text and email. It’s the first partnership of its kind in the UK.

Information such as details of a suspicious car or person, or any type of community safety update which could be of benefit, can be passed on in a fast and accurate way. This way, schools will have information which can not only help the safety of children and school students but also avoid inaccurate information causing concern in the community.

The Police Service Crime Prevention office in Lisburn have regularly passed on public safety messages to schools in the past. However the facility replaces a previous system which relied on a ‘round robin’ style of phone messages being passed on.

Instead, when police are made aware of information – for example the details of a suspicious vehicle - which schools should be aware of, they can pass an email message to every primary and secondary school in their area. A text and fax message alerts schools to check their email account to make sure the message isn’t missed.

The network has been developed for Lisburn DCU in partnership with C2k (Classroom 2000), an organisation which, on behalf of the five education and library boards, is responsible for the provision of an information and communications technology (ICT) managed service to all schools in Northern Ireland.

The Police Service Crime Prevention Department and C2k have invested £20,000 in an IT system which allows the network to operate.

DCU Commander Chief Superintendent Ken Henning said the system is a great example of partnership working for the benefit of the Lisburn area: “School Alert gives Police an instant and accurate way to pass information to schools.
“It also shows how improvements can be made when organisations work together.

“And this is an improvement, as not only can we pass out accurate public safety information, but we can also correct any inaccurate information which may be causing concerns for parents.

“Overall, the system is an excellent use of new technologies and co-operation in the community to bring about a very worthwhile facility for the benefit of everyone,” he said.

Roy Beattie, C2k Intregration and Development Director, said: “This partnership marks a new dimension in our service to schools, pupils and the wider community. I’m delighted that C2k’s unique network technology is enabling this important community initiative.”