Crime & Safety

Mt. Sinai Serves as Pilot for SAVE Hotline

System automatically dials 911 center supervisor.

The Mount Sinai School District will serve as a pilot district for a county emergency hotline geared towards effective communication during a crisis. 

The School Active Violence Emergency (SAVE) hotline, was demonstrated Friday with school and town officials.

The hotline uses a dedicated phone line placed in one or several locations throughout a building. They system automatically bypasses normal communication channels and immediately dials the Suffolk County Police 911 center supervisor. The supervisor views an instant display of the exact incident location and can provide immediate verbal communication to the caller. Additionally, the caller will be kept on the line to provide real time details as they unfold.

"When police officers respond to the incidents, the more information they receive going in, the better," said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Edward Webber. "This system will better protect our school children and first responders."

Costs on the system vary by school, according to Pamela Donovan, Chief Legislative Aide for Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker, who is a supporter of the program.

"One device is approximately $200 and then the additional cost is for a telephone line," said Donovan. "The districts can discuss various options with their telephone providers. Additionally, SCPD is available for guidance and can provide additional direction and options."

Donovan said within the next few weeks the Suffolk County Police Community Response Bureau will have applications available and instructions posted on their website.  

"The SAVE Hotline provides schools with an additional cost-effective option to increase school safety," said Anker. "When dealing with a crisis situation, time is saved through a dedicated line for school emergencies."

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