As your technology partner, at Eastern DataComm, we understand that change can feel daunting, especially when it comes to your communication solutions and platform.
If you’ve leveraged an on-premises telephony solution for your school, business, or municipality currently or in the past, chances are you’ve already heard about migrating to the cloud as an option. Are you thinking about what’s next for your organization’s voice and unified communications?
Whether you’re a K–12 school district, a business, or a municipality, you have several options. Our goal is to help you understand those choices so you can make the best decision for your team, your budget, and your future. We’ve been in your shoes, guiding companies and schools through these transitions for years.
Let’s navigate this together.
Exploring the Zoom + Mitel Partnership
Juggling multiple, disconnected communication tools often results in scattered workflows, unnecessary frustration, and wasted time. Switching between separate platforms for voice, video, messaging, and collaboration tools disrupts focus and hampers team efficiency. But what if everything your team needed to connect and collaborate lived in one unified solution?
Eastern DataComm is excited to share with our customers the combined power of Zoom and Mitel. This partnership brings with it a next-generation, AI-driven hybrid communications platform that unifies on-premises and cloud capabilities. This integrated approach delivers the security, dependability, adaptability, and control required to support today’s fast-moving education, business, or municipal environments.
Combining your Mitel telephony solution with Zoom Workplace, your teams gain seamless access to voice, video, messaging, and AI-powered tools—all from a single platform. The result: smoother workflows, stronger collaboration, and enhanced productivity, with the peace of mind that your communications are secure and always available.
Key benefits:
Reliable and secure communications you can trust
Ability to extend existing Mitel investments with the flexibility of Zoom Workplace
AI-first collaboration tools built for modern work, including Zoom AI Companion available at no additional cost*
Streamlined management to reduce admin workload and IT complexity
*Zoom AI Companion features might not be available for all regions or industry verticals. Included at no additional cost with the paid services in your Zoom user account.
Zoom: A Closer Look
Curious about Zoom? Here are some compelling benefits you can anticipate—whether you’re a current Mitel customer or entirely new to the Zoom platform:
Flexible Deployment: Keep your existing Mitel 6900 series phones and register them directly to the Zoom cloud. Whether you keep your PBX on-premises or retire it, your phones can get dial tone, voicemail, 911, and more—all from the cloud.
Unified Communications, Simplified: Zoom isn’t just a phone system. It’s a unified platform for voice, video, messaging, and meetings. The Zoom Workspace client brings softphone features to your desktop and mobile devices, integrating seamlessly with your existing directory.
Everything in One Place:
Voice, video, and messaging, all working together seamlessly.
AI-Powered Productivity: Zoom’s built-in AI companion can automatically take notes during calls, extract action items, and help you stay organized, no more scrambling to jot things down. These features are included at no extra cost.
Cloud Recording and Reporting: Record calls and meetings securely in the cloud—a critical feature for K–12 schools and organizations with compliance needs. If there’s ever a question about a conversation, you have easy access to transcripts and recordings, all managed through the Zoom admin portal.
A Privacy Game-Changer:
Have peace of mind knowing that important conversations are securely recorded.
Seamless Integration: Zoom can integrate with your paging and intercom systems, whether you’re a school needing reliable classroom communication or a business with complex facility needs.
Learn More from Our Latest Digital Resource
Eastern DataComm recently co-hosted a webinar with the Zoom team entitled, “Eastern DataComm and Zoom: Migrate to the Cloud with Mitel”. In this webinar, our speakers shared:
Key Benefits of Cloud-Based Unified Communications – Understand how migrating from PBX to the cloud can enhance flexibility, reduce costs, and improve collaboration.
Leveraging Existing Mitel Investments – Learn how to integrate Mitel hardware and software into a cloud-based UC strategy, minimizing disruption and maximizing ROI.
Migration Strategies & Best Practices – Explore phased and full cloud migration approaches, hybrid deployment options, and key considerations for a smooth transition.
Enhancing Business Continuity & Scalability – Discover how cloud UC solutions provide better reliability, security, and scalability to support business growth.
If you’re interested in watching the 30-minute webinar, click the button below. Otherwise, read on to learn highlights our speakers shared with our audience about the power of the Zoom + Mitel Partnership.
Zoom’s Perspective: Karen Riddle, Account Executive – Ed K12 for Zoom, notes that Zoom has a long-term relationship with Mitel to support both PBXs and phones. You can keep your Mitel PBX on-premises and leverage the Zoom cloud for meetings and additional services.
The Zoom Workspace Client: Karen Riddle shared that the Zoom workspace client can directly register to your on-premises Mitel PBX, giving you a host of soft client features on your desktop and mobile phone, leaving your PBX in place.
Mitel 6900 Series: Mike Hartree, UCaaS Advisor at Zoom, highlights that you can directly register your Mitel 6900 series phones to the Zoom cloud. All you have to do is point to zoom.us. By doing this, you’ll get your dial tone, phone number, voicemail, and 911.
The Beauty of Artificial Intelligence: Karen Riddle also emphasized the power of AI, saying it has become an indispensable part of her day. With AI integrated into the Zoom Workspace softphone app, your calls become smarter and more productive. As you make a call, your AI Companion automatically takes notes in real time—capturing key points without you having to type a word. After the call, it summarizes the conversation, identifies action items, and even reminds you of the two or three tasks you committed to before your next meeting. It’s like having a personal assistant built into every conversation.
Special Considerations for K–12, Business, and Government
K–12 Schools: Zoom’s simple user and admin experience, cloud-based recording, and robust reporting make it a natural fit for education. No on-prem hardware is required for most features, but classroom and conference phones are fully supported.
Mike Hartree, UCaaS Advisor at Zoom, notes the simplified experience and ease of administration, emphasizing that you don’t need on-prem hardware.
Businesses and Municipalities: Enjoy the flexibility of cloud communications without sacrificing reliability or compliance. Zoom’s platform scales with your organization and supports hybrid or remote work with ease.
Your Partner for Your Evolving Communications Needs
At Eastern DataComm, we’re more than just a vendor, we’re your committed communications technology partner.
Whether you want to move quickly, take a phased approach, or explore hybrid solutions, we’ll help you plan, implement, and support your new communications platform every step of the way. Our experience over the years has helped businesses and organizations like yours move forward.
Ready to explore your options?
Want to learn more about how the Zoom + Mitel partnership can benefit your organization?
Schedule a consultation to see which path fits your needs best.
As a school leader, you know that school safety is a non-negotiable priority. But often, securing the funding you need to put effective, comprehensive safety solutions in place can be a challenge. You’re tasked with safeguarding your community, but are more often than not feeling the constraint of tight budgets and competing budgetary priorities.
The good news? Funding for school safety initiatives is more accessible than you might think—if you know where to look and how to navigate the process.
Information gathering is the first step to securing the funding you need to make school safety improvements a reality for your campus. That’s why Eastern DataComm is proud to partner with ZeroNow, a 501(c)6 alliance dedicated to ending school violence through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy. Together, we’re working to make schools safer by providing cutting-edge technology solutions like video surveillance, access control, environmental sensors, VoIP phone systems, and emergency notification systems, along with insight and guidance on the funding to make those upgrades and initiatives possible.
If you’ve ever wondered how to fund those safety, security, and emergency communications upgrades that would make all the difference when every second counts, we’re here to help. You’ll find the insight you need as we explore actionable strategies to secure the funding you need to better protect your students, staff, and community.
At Eastern DataComm, our mission is to keep schools connected and protected through innovative safety and communications technologies. For over thirty-five years, we’ve worked with schools across the country to implement solutions that empower clear communication, enhance situational awareness, and save lives during emergencies.
Our partnership with ZeroNow reflects our commitment to advancing school safety. ZeroNow connects educators, security specialists, and technology experts to enhance collaboration and develop new solutions to keep schools safe today and make them safer for tomorrow. By partnering with this amazing organization, we amplify our impact and create real change in school safety technology and policy.
As Al Harnisch, CEO of Eastern DataComm, puts it: “We share ZeroNow’s dedication to providing educational resources to our customers and partners. We understand the magnitude and reach their decisions have when it comes to protecting young minds and educators.”
So naturally, when ZeroNow provides information and insight that can benefit our audience and clients, we connect with them and bring the latest updates right to you.
Now, let’s explore funding opportunities for creating safer schools and districts!
Challenges in School Safety Funding
While there are opportunities for school safety funding, it’s imperative to be aware of the potential obstacles you may face as you source funding options.
Competing Interests: School budgeting often involves addressing priorities like mental health, special education, and infrastructure. Understanding how to advocate for school safety improvements within these competing interests is a valuable step toward fostering a more secure school community.
Funding Volatility: Uncertainty in state or federal funding can make long-term planning difficult. Identifying workarounds to deal with this volatility can help make big-picture funding decisions easier.
Budgetary Structures: School safety budgets are often spread across multiple departments (e.g., counseling, facilities, IT) rather than being a dedicated line item. For example, North Penn School District streamlined its budgeting process by creating a dedicated budget for school safety, which included resources, capital, and technology allocations.
Transparency Risks: Taking a transparent stance on school safety may lead to public backlash, but it’s essential for building trust with stakeholders. Exploring how to be transparent and responsible is a necessary step in keeping schools and communities safe.
One-Time Grants: Jumpstarting Your Safety Initiatives
One-time grants help you kickstart school safety projects and fund critical infrastructure like video surveillance systems, access control solutions, and emergency notification systems. Let’s explore how to make the most of these funding opportunities.
Federal and State Grants
Programs like the STOP School Violence Act and state-specific safety grants provide substantial funding for school safety initiatives. These grants often prioritize technology solutions that enhance situational awareness and emergency response.
Private Foundations
Many private organizations offer grants specifically for school safety. These organizations can help you address your safety budget priorities more effectively. As we learned in the webinar, grants are a great way to fund capital projects.
Pro Tip
Start by identifying your district’s most pressing safety needs. Use tools like ZeroNow’s Path to Safer Schools framework or connect with our Eastern DataComm team to collaboratively assess vulnerabilities and prioritize investments with expert guidance.
Long-Term Funding Strategies: Building a Sustainable Safety Plan
While there’s no doubt one-time grants are a great starting point, long-term funding strategies allow your safety initiatives to remain effective and cutting-edge.
Let’s go over some ways to create your sustainable safety solution financing roadmap.
Incorporate Safety into Annual Budgets
When you treat safety as a core element of your district’s budget—not an afterthought—you’ll find that you can more effectively allocate funds annually for maintenance, upgrades, and staff training.
Leverage E-Rate Funding
Did you know that the federal E-Rate program can help cover the cost of VoIP phone systems and network infrastructure? These are, of course, critical components of a comprehensive safety plan in any building.
Explore Bond Measures
Voter-approved bonds allow districts to fund large-scale safety projects. The key here is to directly communicate the real-life benefits of these investments so that your community rallies behind them in support.
Navigating Federal and State Opportunities
There is, no doubt, some complexity to federal and state funding programs. But these are also some of the most reliable sources of support for school safety initiatives.
So, if you’re looking to create opportunities for more dependable financing, here’s how to navigate these opportunities:
Stay Informed
Be sure you routinely check websites like Grants.gov and your state’s Department of Education for updates on available funding and schedule deadlines for relevant applications.
Partner with Experts
Don’t feel like you have to pursue these funding sources alone. Work with organizations like ZeroNow and Eastern DataComm to help identify grants that align with your district’s needs and the steps you need to take to reach your funding goals.
Pro Tip
Attend webinars and workshops or schedule consultations with these experts to stay up-to-date on funding opportunities and best practices. These learning opportunities will help you gain critical insights to better address your specific needs.
Transparency and Communication in School Safety
Building and maintaining transparency allows you to build trust with your community. Establish a regular cadence of communication, such as quarterly public forums, to share safety data and trends (e.g., discipline incidents, weapons, or assault cases). While over-communicating may feel excessive to some, it’s better than risking accusations of hiding information.
Use data-driven decision-making to demonstrate the return on investment of your safety initiatives. For example, North Penn School District shares discipline data quarterly, as board-adopted policy, to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.
Community Partnerships
Public-private partnerships can significantly enhance school safety while stretching limited budgets.
Community Engagement: Partner with local businesses, nonprofits, and law enforcement to fund no-cost programs. For example, North Penn School District partnered with their DA’s office to run an Innovative Youth Aid panel program across its secondary schools, which required no monetary investment from the district.
Shared Resources: Collaborate with neighboring districts to share the cost of safety solutions. This approach reduces expenses while still delivering high-quality results.
Structuring School Safety Budgets
There are some suggestions to consider when crafting your school safety budget for the coming year.
Dedicated budgeting allows for the provision of resources, technology, and capital as detailed above. It’s also important to focus on prioritization so that school leaders can dedicate the right resources to the cause and ensure priorities become line items in the budget.
Providing common sense solutions allows you to focus on practical, non-political solutions that the community can easily digest. Using a zero-based budget to prioritize safety initiatives, like the North Penn school district utilizes each year, helps to align your needs with community expectations.
Instituting monthly or quarterly committees to hold meetings on this topic can ensure that regular oversight occurs. These meetings can review safety priorities and help to ensure continuous improvement in your school’s security. As we learned in the webinar, the District hosts monthly committee meetings to oversee school safety efforts and foster transparency and trust within the school community.
Transparency and Communication in School Safety
Building and maintaining transparency allows you to build trust with your community. To make this possible, you can establish a regular cadence of a variety of communication and feedback opportunities, such as newsletters, quarterly public forums and school-based efforts to share and listen. This webinar describes the example of sharing discipline incidents, as
other districts do when they share weapons or assault cases. While over-communicating can feel excessive to some, it is far better than the alternative, which can feel like hiding information.
The webinar emphasized that communication is not the same as engagement. We need to establish ways to maintain a healthy feedback loop.
Also, be sure to use data-driven decision-making to demonstrate your return on investment regarding any safety initiatives you share. This keeps stakeholders informed and engaged with you on an ongoing basis.
The Role of School Safety Directors
School Safety Directors can play a critical role in shaping a secure learning community within your district. These professionals can hold cabinet-level positions within your superintendent’s team so that their voice is heard when it comes to key decisions. They should value the process of building relationships with students, staff, and the community at large. And they should advocate for legislative support that can fund safety priorities.
Proactive or Reactive School Safety Initiatives? The Choice Is Clear
Proactive safety measures, while they can feel risky at the outset, are essential for keeping your community safe and ahead of the curve when it comes to security processes to address evolving threats.
Transparency and data-driven decision-making can mitigate any potential backlash from your community about “unnecessary expenditures”, and a holistic approach that addresses the physical, training, and staffing needs of your organization allows for protection that meets all of your needs.
There is undeniable value in investing in prevention rather than reaction. But it’s also essential to have the data on your side as you go into advocacy for budget line items.
Your Path to Safer Schools Starts Here
Securing funding for school safety solutions doesn’t have to be something that you take on alone. And it doesn’t need to feel overwhelming, either. When you understand and use the right strategies and partnerships, you can access the resources you need to create a safer learning environment for your students and staff.
At Eastern DataComm, we’re here to help you every step of the way—from identifying funding opportunities to implementing cutting-edge safety technologies. Together with ZeroNow, we’re committed to making school violence a thing of the past.
And we want you to be a part of that change.
Take the Next Step
As a ZeroNow Partner, Eastern DataComm shares the vision of creating connected and protected school environments.
We offer cutting-edge security technologies and provide expert assistance in navigating the grant application process to help you secure the funding you need.
How We Can Support Your School:
Grant Navigation: Our team can help connect you with relevant resources and refer you to grant specialists to help guide you through the fund-securing process.
Ongoing Support: From planning to implementation, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Together with ZeroNow, we’re committed to creating safer schools now and in the future. And we can’t wait to ensure you and your learning community are among them.
Because when it comes to school safety, we’re all in this together.
ZeroNow is the safety community’s movement to end harmful events in our schools. As a member-based non-profit, ZeroNow facilitates collaboration between industry, associations, and education partners to foster new solutions to keep our campuses safe and secure.
ZeroNow brings safety assets and education safety leaders together to establish the standards for school safety technology. We drive a unified voice to educate policymakers on the need for increased investment in school safety. For more information, please visit www.zeronow.org.
As spring arrives, our Eastern DataComm team is once again hitting the road to share powerful insights on how best to leverage technology to keep your school, business, and municipal communities connected and protected.
We’re excited to attend some of the industry’s top events and tradeshows. Here’s where you can find us in the coming months:
The ESCNJ Vendor Expo (May 21st, at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison, NJ)
The Police Security Expo (June 24th–25th at the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, NJ)
And while we hope to see you there, we’d also like to take time this month to invite school leaders across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to join us at one of our upcoming School Safety Breakfast Seminars. And for those who can’t make it, we’re sharing important details on how you can bring one of these live events to your team, organization, or community.
The Eastern DataComm 2025 Spring School Safety Breakfast Seminar Series
Technologies employed to keep schools safe continue to evolve and change. For this reason, we invite school leaders across New Jersey, New York Connecticut, Delaware, and Maryland to join us in shaping the conversation on what’s next.
Eastern DataComm, in partnership with Verkada, proudly presents our 2025 School Safety Breakfast Seminar Series, a thought-provoking event designed to explore cutting-edge solutions for protecting our schools.
This year’s theme, “2025 School Security Reimagined: Leveraging Next-Gen Tech to Safeguard Our Schools,” provides practical ways to safeguard your students, staff, and visitors by enhancing physical security and communications on your campus with the latest tech and safety strategies.
You’ll walk away with details on new technologies, helpful ideas to put them into action, and fresh perspectives that will help to make your campus safer now and in the future.
TIME: 8:30 am to 9 am: Registration 9:00 am to 12 pm: Educational Session For the full seminar agenda, visit our event registration page
Red Bank, NJ Courtyard Lincroft Red Bank 245 Half Mile Rd, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Thursday, March 20th
Nanuet, NY Hilton Garden Inn 270 NY-59, Nanuet, NY 10954
Wednesday, March 26th
Baltimore, MD Hilton Garden Inn Inner Harbor 625 S President St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Thursday, March 27th
Wilmington, DE Hilton Wilmington/Christiana 100 Continental Drive, Newark, DE 19713
Wednesday, April 2nd
Norwalk, CT Hilton Garden Inn 560 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851
Who Should Attend?
This seminar is a must-attend for school leaders who are invested in the future of campus protection. Whether you’re a superintendent, business administrator, safety officer, IT professional, or decision-maker, this event is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the evolving landscape of campus security solutions.
The experience is especially valuable for those involved in selecting, managing, or implementing safety and communications measures for schools, whether K–12, private, or higher education. We also encourage our attendees to invite colleagues from your organization or neighboring districts—anyone who plays a role in shaping security strategies will benefit from this collaborative experience.
Why Should You Attend?
In this latest series, we’re diving into a set of exciting and impactful advancements—from AI-enhanced video surveillance and smart access control systems to environmental sensors and instant emergency communication tools and more.
Our speakers will share how these tools can enhance your current safety profile, integrate with existing systems, reinforce policy, and facilitate smooth execution of procedures to best fortify your campus.
As your trusted safety and communications team, we know that every day brings new challenges in education. This live, in-person series is designed to help you stay ahead while reaching your specific safety and communication goals.
This opportunity not only presents a chance to learn from industry experts, but also to connect with other educational leaders in your area, exchange ideas, and see solutions in action.
What’s Included?
Kick off your morning with a complimentary breakfast, where you can network with fellow education leaders and safety professionals.
Engage in meaningful conversations with industry thought leaders and gain actionable insights to enhance your school’s safety strategy.
Best yet, this event is completely free of charge for any school leaders looking to attend.
Whether you’re looking to refine your current safety plan or explore new approaches, this seminar experience is your chance to take a proactive step toward creating a safer environment for your school community.
Why Is This Educational Experience So Important?
In a world where school safety is more critical than ever, this seminar equips you with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to stay ahead of emerging challenges.
Wondering if the event is right for you?
Here’s what you can expect:
Discover How New Technology Is Transforming Safety and Communications
Learn how cutting-edge advancements—like AI-powered surveillance, environmental sensors, and emergency notification systems—are reshaping school security. Integrate these technologies into a cohesive, adaptable safety strategy that addresses modern threats.
Create and Refine Effective Safety Policies That Work for Your School
Gain the skills to design or update a comprehensive safety plan that combines the latest technologies with proven approaches. Define clear roles for staff, local authorities, and technology providers to ensure seamless execution and maintenance.
Evaluate and Choose the Right Solutions
Learn how to assess and select the best security technologies—from access control systems to real-time communication platforms—based on your school’s unique needs. Understand critical factors like scalability, budget, and ease of integration to make informed decisions.
Learn to Add New Tech That Integrates Well with Your Existing Infrastructure
Explore strategies for implementing new safety technologies with minimal disruption. Plan for sustainable funding, budgeting, and maintenance to ensure long-term success and adaptability.
Collaborate and Problem-Solve with Peers
Engage in dynamic discussions with fellow education leaders and experts to tackle common challenges, such as staff training and system integration. Share insights and best practices to overcome real-world obstacles.
Leave with a Clear Roadmap for Campus Safety
Walk away with a viable plan to implement security technologies and policies in your school. Set timelines, define goals, and identify key resources and partnerships to ensure continuous improvement.
This seminar experience isn’t just about learning—it’s about turning ideas into action to create a safer school community right away. By the end of the day, you’ll be empowered with tools and confidence to lead your school into a safer future in 2025 and beyond.
Reserve Your Seat Today
Our upcoming seminar offers a unique opportunity to dive into innovative tools—from smart video surveillance to streamlined emergency communication systems—that are reshaping student safety in educational environments.
Join us for an engaging session where you’ll connect with fellow education leaders, discover effective solutions, and explore strategies to create a secure and welcoming environment.
Curious about our seminar presenters? These two gentlemen are consummate leaders in their respective fields and will be your guides for an exciting and informative seminar experience.
Paul Jenne
National School Safety Advisor at Eastern DataComm
Paul Jenne is Eastern DataComm’s National School Safety Advisor, where he leads business development. He sources and evaluates the latest technology solutions to help school leaders across the Eastern Seaboard make smart tech decisions to better protect their learning environments. A devoted father of three, Paul is passionate about integrating innovative, cost-effective technology to enhance daily communications and create the safest school environments possible.
Adam Drew
School Resource Officer, Law Enforcement Professional, and Founder of Three Corners
Having served for over twenty years, Lieutenant Adam Drew is a certified police officer and school resource officer (SRO). His tenure in these roles has equipped him with an extensive understanding of the vulnerabilities schools face with their safety and communications plans, processes, and technologies.
He has dedicated his career to serving school communities to help them address many of the evolving challenges they face. With his expertise in school safety and law enforcement background, he provides insights and recommendations to districts throughout the state to make their communities safe places for growth and learning.
Specifically, Adam has worked directly with education leaders including school administrators, teachers, students, and parents on a wide range of problem-solving solutions. His consulting firm, Three Corners, specializes in K–12 school district training and workshops engineered to improve the safety profile of schools across the New Jersey/New York metro area.
Bring a Personalized Seminar to Your Organization or Community
Can’t make it to one of our scheduled sessions? No problem. We’ll bring the seminar to you! Eastern DataComm is excited to offer school leaders the opportunity to host a complimentary, personalized Safety Seminar right on your campus.
Here’s what we’ll provide when we bring the seminar to you:
Enjoy Tailored Insights for Your Unique Needs
Every school and district faces its own set of challenges. Our in-person seminar delivers customized guidance on the latest safety technologies, ensuring you leave with solutions that align with your specific goals and infrastructure.
Explore Cutting-Edge Security Solutions
Gain a comprehensive understanding of how integrated technologies—like on-premises systems, AI-powered tools, and cloud-based platforms—can transform your campus security and improve incident response.
Practical Takeaways for Immediate Impact
Walk away with helpful strategies to evaluate, implement, and enhance your security measures. Our team and speakers will help you identify the most effective solutions for your organization, so you can take action right away.
Expert-Led, Personalized Guidance
Benefit from one-on-one discussions with industry leaders who understand the complexities of campus security technologies. Get answers to your toughest questions and make informed decisions with confidence.
This exclusive experience is designed to meet your unique needs and provide actionable insights to enhance the safety and security of your school community.
Your Audience, Your Way
Invite up to thirty colleagues, partners, or decision-makers from your organization or neighboring districts to join the discussion. Whether it’s your internal team, external collaborators, or a mix of both, this is your chance to gather the key players involved in safety and security planning.
Catered Breakfast or Lunch
We’ll provide a catered meal for your attendees, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment for learning and networking. Choose between breakfast or lunch to fit your schedule, and use this time to connect with peers, share ideas, and explore collaborative approaches to campus safety.
Customized Content for Your Needs
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all seminar. You choose the topics that matter most to your team, and we’ll adjust the session to your goals. Whether you’re interested in state of the art camera systems, AI-driven analytics, access control, emergency notification, or broader security strategies, our experts will deliver content that’s useful and relevant.
Topics You Can Explore in Your Live Seminar:
Video Surveillance
Access Control Solutions
Environmental Sensors
Cellular Repeaters
Visitor/Guest Management
Emergency Notification Systems
VoIP Systems
Paging or Intercom Systems
Bell & Clock Solutions
Wired/Wireless Infrastructure
Cloud-Based Security Solutions
Interactive Q&A Sessions
Get your questions answered during an engaging Q&A session. This is your chance to dive deep into the challenges your organization faces and receive advice on the tools and strategies that will make the greatest impact.
Explore Cutting-Edge Security Solutions
Use this opportunity to network with other safety and security professionals. Share best practices, discuss collaborative approaches, and build relationships that can help you tackle campus safety challenges more effectively.
Hosting an on-location seminar is a convenient, cost-effective way to empower your team with the latest advancements in campus security technology.
Perfect for an Overview, Update, or Refresh of Topics That Matter to Your Stakeholders
Our personalized seminars adapt to your needs.
Our one-hour seminars are perfect for a focused topic explanation or an overview of several related topics.
And our half-day seminars offer you a chance to share a deep dive into multiple security topics with time for discussions, Q&As, and demonstrations of relevant tech and communication solutions.
No matter what topic you’d like to explore, you can make the most of your time with this unique approach to learning.
So, don’t miss this chance to bring modern school safety approaches directly to your campus. Together, we can create a safer, more secure environment for your students, staff, and community.
See You at the Seminar!
If you’re ready to enhance your school’s safety, join us for our live seminar 2025 School Security Reimagined: Leveraging Next-Gen Tech to Safeguard Our Schools. There you’ll discover insights and strategies designed to protect your learning environment.Sign up now to reserve your spot.
Prefer a more personalized approach? Schedule your own safety tech seminar and work directly with our speakers to address your school’s unique challenges.Schedule your seminar today.
There’s no doubt that ensuring the safety and security of your students, staff, and facilities remains a top priority in 2025. And the landscape of school security continues to evolve, bringing with it a shift towards more integrated, intelligent security systems that not only respond to incidents but also help prevent them.
This month, we’re exploring the 2025 safety and technology trends shaping campus security that every superintendent, business administrator, principal, and leader in education should be aware of.
We’ll examine how these innovations can enhance your existing security protocols, improve emergency response times, and create a safer learning environment.
From advanced entry management systems to comprehensive emergency notification platforms, we’ll provide insights into technologies and strategies that are setting new benchmarks in educational safety, so you can use what you learn to make informed decisions about your district’s security infrastructure.
Secure Vestibules and Visitor Management Systems
From video surveillance to access control, securing the entry points on your campuses is more than a trend, it’s a core priority for the year ahead.
Entryway security is evolving from both a physical and technological perspective. Many schools are choosing to add secure vestibules to their buildings so that the visitor management process remains as safe as possible.
The Partnership Alliance for Safer Schools released a white paper detailing the multi-tier structure for a highly secure vestibule. This approach limits access, helps control the number of visitors in a building at a given time, and provides a space where your staff can verify that the particular visitors in question are allowed to be in the school building.
The secure vestibule system effectively manages visitor entrances. This includes processes related to identity verification and multilayer security reinforced with video surveillance and access control technologies.
This approach can be further strengthened with technology options like Verkada’s secure entry solutions. These solutions include key card systems and mobile access control and offer flexible, customizable, and remotely accessible approaches to making sure your campus stays secure.
Mass Notifications Systems
Another layer of security that will be prioritized by schools across the country this year is mass notification. It’s crucial to ensure that everyone can hear and understand important notifications during emergencies. This includes both the indoor areas of your building and outdoor spaces on your grounds, such as sports fields and parking lots.
For example, Eastern DataComm helped a large New Jersey regional high school district install mass notification systems whose messages and alerts reached across their buildings and grounds. The radio-based solution enabled the installation of speakers and strobe lights across the campus, including outdoor areas. No matter where you are on their campus, vital information reaches you quickly when every moment counts.
Mass notification, as a best practice, should be multimodal in nature. That means a comprehensive system also includes texts, emails, bells, sign boards, and all the integrations that help you reach families, staff, and first responders in the event of a crisis. A tailored approach to mass notification that fits the unique needs of your school population ultimately yields the best possible results to mitigate and alleviate urgent situations.
Customized Building-Level Solutions
Another trend that’s sure to impact learning communities is the drive toward more customized solutions.
District-wide, property perimeter, building perimeter, and interior perimeter solutions have become a commonplace approach for evaluating your building’s layers of protection.
Customized solutions are essential at every level to ensure your campus remains secure. When it comes to building and interior perimeter security, one of the most adaptable options available is the environmental sensor system. Environmental sensor solutions offer an all-in-one approach, addressing health, safety, and security needs while tailoring their functions to meet your specific goals.
For property and parking lot perimeters, custom video surveillance, access control, and even paging and bell systems may be the right fit. Integrating your physical security solutions creates a cohesive security network across your campus.
Complying with Federal and Local Regulations
Adhering to local, state, and federal standards has always been a consideration for schools and districts. But as the world of technology solutions expands, so too have the list of regulations around them. Adhering to these regulations is more vital than ever as educational organizations like yours address cybersecurity threats, regulatory requirements, and the collective needs of your campus.
Making regulatory compliance a focus for this new year is not only a trend in campus security technology, it will become more prevalent for a variety of reasons as well.
We’ve also seen VoIP phone system regulations related to multi-line phone systems with Ray Baum’s Act and Kari’s Law. These regulations are in place to ensure that emergency response personnel have the information they need as quickly as possible and that calls to 911 go through right away without entering a prefix, as so many dated phone systems once required.
As VoIP phone experts, our team can help you select the right solution for you. In one of our customer’s districts, we recognized not only their need to comply with regulations, but also the unique nature of their district population. This allowed us to guide them to a solution that provided for multimodal communication and VoIP integration that not only met legal standards, but ensured all students and staff could respond effectively during an emergency.
And of course, more recently we’ve seen ‘rip and replace’ legislation governing the safety and secure use of video surveillance systems. Adhering to these regulations helps schools and districts protect the privacy and security of students, staff, and visitors, while ensuring they have the most effective video surveillance solutions for their needs.
The goals for those seeking regulatory compliance center around protecting data, reputation, and lives. This includes ensuring adherence to security requirements and avoiding issues with the governing bodies that set the rules and guidelines.
In a world where schools are the ever-increasing target of wanton violence, proactive measures are the surest way to secure school environments for students and staff. Grants serve as an essential solution for schools with limited budgets, providing necessary funding for security improvements like video surveillance systems, access control, cellular repeaters, and environmental sensors.
This month, our Eastern DataComm team is taking you behind the scenes of our 501(c)6 non-profit partner ZeroNow’s recent presentation with Elisa Mula and EMD regarding grant funding. This summary will help school administrators and leaders navigate the process of securing funding to ensure your application stands out and increases your chances of success. ZeroNow’s recent webinar was full of helpful insights and we are excited to pass that information on to our Eastern DataComm blog readers.
As a ZeroNow Partner, we’re committed to helping you implement the solutions that help you stay connected and protected, so that ZeroNow’s mission, taking violence on campuses across the country down to zero, can continue to become a reality.
With these tips, increase your chances of successfully securing grant funding to help enhance the technology systems on your campus that safeguard your community.
Let’s dive in!
Understanding Key Grants for School Safety
While a vast array of grants are available to applicant schools and districts, ZeroNow explored a select few during this education experience. In this article, we’re focusing on those they reviewed as part of this webinar. If you’re interested in learning about other potential grant and funding opportunities, you can take a look at our previous blogs on the topichere and here.
FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)
The NSGP is a federally funded grant providing monies to be used for nonprofit organizations, including private and charter schools, to enhance security and protect against terrorist threats or violence.
What Are the NSGP Eligibility Requirements?
To be eligible for this grant, schools must have a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and demonstrate that they have what is referred to as At-Risk Designation. This means their school is at an increased risk for terrorism or violence. They may be located in a high crime area, have visible symbols that clearly denote religious affiliation, or have large student bodies, for example.
What Is the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Funding Amount?
You can apply for up to $150,000 for each application through the NSGP.
You can apply for up to three physical addresses.
What Types of Security Technology Projects Are Eligible for Funding Through the NSGP?
A variety of projects (from physical security to cyber security enhancements, emergency planning and risk and resilience assessments, and even security emergency planning) can be funded through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Some of the common technology solutions the NSGP covers include:
Awards are typically announced between late August and November
What Documentation Do We Need to Prepare for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program?
The necessary documentation for the NSGP is two-fold.
The Threat, Vulnerability, and Risk assessment includes:
Identifying threats: Determine specific threats like terrorism and vandalism that might impact the organization. Here, you can submit information on specific incidents, your surrounding area, and your mission statement.
Assess vulnerabilities: Evaluate your current safety measures to note gaps that can be exploited.
Evaluate risks: Explore the possible likelihood of threats exploiting your vulnerabilities.
Consequences: Describe the possible impact on your assets and community functions if these threats are successful.
Prioritize your security improvements: Note where you need to mitigate risks effectively right now.
Note: FEMA considers religious affiliation, the presence of children, proximity to diverse religious areas, history of hate crimes or threats, visibility from the road, and visibility of identifiable religious symbols in their threat assessment evaluations.
The Investment Justification (Scored Section) includes:
Articulating security needs: Specific security threats and vulnerabilities you face.
Details of your proposed project: Outlined security enhancements.
Aligning with grant priorities: You’ll need to make sure that your goals match the grant funding priorities. Here, that means you demonstrate the organization is at risk of potential terrorist attack.
Demonstrate impact: You need to give evidence that the project(s) will actually mitigate some specific risk and protect the organization and community.
Provide cost estimates: Budget estimates will justify your funding request and give concrete numbers that make real sense to evaluators.
Show readiness: You also need to demonstrate that you as an organization can implement and continue the security improvements for which you’re requesting funding.
When it comes to the NSGP, Eastern DataComm, in partnership with the thought leaders in the ZeroNow network, can help you navigate your application’s threat assessment and investment justification components.
STOP School Violence Program
The STOP School Violence Program grant focuses on preventing school violence by funding early intervention programs, threat assessment teams, and technology solutions that detect potential threats.
What Are the STOP School Violence Program Eligibility Requirements?
The grant is open to school districts, local governments, and nonprofit organizations involved in violence prevention.
How Much Funding Is Available Through the STOP School Violence Program?
Schools can apply for up to $2 million in grant funding through the STOP School Violence Program.
What Types of Projects Does the STOP School Violence Program Deem Eligible for Funding?
Threat assessment teams and early intervention programs
Training for staff and law enforcement on handling school violence
Mental health support for students
What Are the Key Application Dates for the STOP School Violence Program?
Applications open in spring.
Application deadline: early summer, typically June
Awards announced in the fall around September 30th
Necessary Documentation for the STOP School Violence Program:
Applicants must register in Grants.Gov and then complete the full application in JustGrants.usdoj.gov
The application’s key pieces include the proposal abstract summarizing the issue you desire to address with your project. (This is no longer than 400 words.)
The proposal narrative explains your project strategy activities and major deliverables along with your ability to address the issue.
The web-based budget form details how you’ll allocate the funds by task date and assign them to the responsible party.
The application very much mirrors the COPS School Violence Prevention Program grant.
COPS School Violence Prevention Program Grant
The COPS School Violence Prevention Program helps schools improve security at schools and on school grounds in the recipient’s jurisdiction through evidence-based school safety programs.
What Funding Amount Is Available for the SVPP Grant?:
The COPS School Violence Prevention Program offers Up to $500,000 per school district. With a 25% match.
What Is the Application Timeline for the COPS School Violence Prevention Program?
The deadline for COPS School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) applications is in June. Awards are typically announced between October and November.
What Projects Are Eligible for Funding under the COPS SVPP Grant?
The COPS School Violence Prevention Program offers funding for a variety of projects including.
Entry locking mechanisms/access control doors
Peepholes for classroom doors
School site alarms and motion detectors
Communication technology
Intercom or public address systems
Panic and immediate alarm notifications
Video surveillance
Materials expended or consumed during a project including training
Consultant expenses and contracts include goods or services that directly contribute to the implementation or enhancement of the SVPP project
What Is the Application Process Like for the COPS School Violence Prevention Program Grant?
To apply, a school must register with Sam.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier number. They must also register with Grants.gov.
The organization must complete the Authorized Organization Representative profiles on Grants.gov creating a username and password. When doing so, make sure you have the Unique Entity Identifier for this step. The Authorized Organization Representative email registered with Sam.gov must be used here.
From there you can assign both standard and expanded roles to your team.
Complete and submit the Standard Form 424 and the SFLLL Lobbying Certification Form (Note: You’ll need to do this even if you have no lobbying to report). Only expanded rolls on Grants.gov can submit your registration.
After submitting your form you can expect to receive several notifications from Grants.Gov within 48 hours.
Then you’ll need to register with JustGrants. Within 24 hours of receiving your confirmation email from Grants.Gov, the designee who submitted your registration, SF 424, and LLL forms will be emailed details on how to proceed with the remaining pieces of the application. Again the Authorized Organization Representative must be used for this step.
To make this process smoother you’ll want to include:
Detailed information including your current risk assessments, emergency plans, training, drills, partnerships with local agencies, etc.
Funding request and integration: Overview of funding needs emphasize integration with proven safety strategies and programs.
Implementation plans: Detail effective project management gameplan to include tech procurement and your timelines for procurement and implementation.
Sustainability plan: How will you maintain these efforts for security and ensure additional resources after the award?
Describe your utilization strategy for the proposed technology.
Quotes for security equipment: Provide vendor quotes for any physical security solutions, like surveillance cameras or access control systems.
Letters of support: Letters from law enforcement, stakeholders, or community organizations can provide valuable support.
Hiring plan (if applicable): If applying for funding for personnel, include a hiring plan for security officers or other staff.
Details from your safety team: Meeting notes and related documentation.
Safety audit documentation.
Report all incidents to local police so that you have records to provide as needed.
Records of established practice for safety drills.
A Walkthrough: 5 Simple Steps to Applying for School Safety
Step 1: Identify the Right Grant
While these are three grants schools commonly apply for, they’re not the only ones out there. One of the keys to a successful grant application is applying for the right grant. Review the eligibility requirements for each and be sure you match them to your school’s needs, such as technology or physical security upgrades.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
One of the best tips we can offer is applying on time, and early if at all possible. Starting early has the added benefit of helping you to avoid last-minute errors or forgotten forms.
To begin, make a list of all the documents necessary for each grant, using the grant provider’s information to guide you as you check things off your list.
You’ll also want to be prepared with vendor quotes, your risk assessment, and your project and budget narratives before you dive into your application itself. This will ensure that when you go to apply, you can simply focus on completing the application itself.
Step 3: Complete the Application
This step is fairly straightforward. Complete the application, following all instructions as they appear on the grant application itself. While resources like our blogs are meant to be helpful, the only information that matters is what you are provided by the funding providers themselves.
Complete the application in a timely manner, well before the deadlines. Complete them fully, and wherever possible, provide any “optional” resources. This shows that you are truly dedicated to taking full advantage of the opportunities afforded to your organization.
Also, just as you must select the right opportunity for your organization, it’s important to tailor your application to the opportunity itself as well. Cookie-cutter responses will not fare well here. Make sure the project narrative aligns with the specific goals of the grant and what you hope to achieve if your project is funded.
Step 4: Submit and Track Your Application
Once you’ve submitted your completed application, be sure to track the application status and be prepared to offer any additional information if the grant institution requests it.
Now, we wait.
Step 5: If Not Awarded, Reapply:
While we hope your projects are fully funded, in the event this is not the case: reapply! You now have more experience under your organization’s belt and you can learn from that. You also understand how to navigate the process and can do so more efficiently in the future.
If you didn’t garner the funding you desired this time around, perhaps you need to:
Better clarify your need for funding.
Demonstrate your sincere financial need.
Focus more on the long-term impact of the proposed improvements.
Collaborate with local stakeholders and community leaders more effectively.
Get support as you navigate through the funding process.
Watch the full webinar in the ZeroNow Community, as part of their free resources. Click here to view.
How Eastern DataComm and ZeroNow Can Help
As you may know, Eastern DataComm is a ZeroNow Partner. ZeroNow is an organization that drives ideas, innovation, and investment in school safety. It focuses on increasing the pace and scale of technology solutions for safer schools.
As a ZeroNow Partner, Eastern DataComm shares the vision of creating connected and protected school environments by offering cutting-edge security technologies and providing expert assistance in navigating the grant application process.
How We Can Support Your School:
Our team can support your school with grant navigation, helping you explore which grants to apply for and connecting you with professionals who can help move you through the application process, ensuring you meet all requirements.
And of course, we’re here to help you stay connected and protected with cutting-edge physical security and communications tech solutions. We offer advanced security technologies like video surveillance, access control systems, cellular repeaters, and environmental sensors to enhance school safety.
So, together with ZeroNow, we’re here to create safer schools now and in the future.
And we can’t wait to ensure you and your learning community are among them.
… because when it comes to school safety, we’re all in this together.
As the year comes to a close, our team is reflecting on some of the essential campus safety tips we’ve shared over the past twelve months. We hope this year-end review serves as a helpful resource as you plan for 2025 and work toward building a safer, more connected campus community in the year ahead.
Whether you’re entrusted with the security of a school, municipal, or business community, these 12 Days of Campus Safety offer ideas that help create a comprehensive plan for enhancing how you keep your buildings and grounds connected and protected.
Over the course of the next 12 days, we encourage you to focus your attention on each of these resources—just one a day—to help you build and implement the most connected and protected campus possible in the New Year.
Let’s get to it!
Day 1 – Clear Communication Is Key: It All Begins with VoIP Phone Systems
In our January blog, 3 Resolutions for a Safer Campus: Where to Begin Enhancing Your Safety & Communications Technology, we shared our resolutions for the start of 2024. One of the key resolutions that we’ve helped our customers keep all year long is to make communication clearer and more streamlined than ever before. After all, whether you’re dealing with an emergency where every second counts, or simply want to deliver the best possible customer service with call clarity everyone raves about, the right phone system makes all the difference.
Fast, effective communication is also valuable when it comes to maintaining compliance with federal regulations. That’s why staying connected with a vendor partner like Eastern DataComm is so valuable. We can help you navigate the process of selecting the right phone system, the right integrations, the installation, and even the staff onboarding process with ease. Because it’s more than buying a phone system, it’s investing in real change for your organization.
Day 2 – Prioritize Campus Security with Enhanced Access Control Systems that Truly Make a Difference
In February, we provided insights on key considerations for upgrading your access control system in our blog, 5 Key Considerations for Planning Upgrades to Your Access Control Systems. This piece was primarily aimed at campuses with existing access control systems, but the suggestions offered are valuable for all campuses.
Access control systems are essential tools for organizations of all sizes, providing technology that safeguards data, buildings, and the people within them.
The right-fit access control system—or the necessary upgrades to improve upon the system you have in place—can help you manage who accesses your building and when, identify potential security threats, and offer a variety of features. Those include swipe cards, card readers, door strikes, crash bars, and request-to-exit systems. Additionally, these systems can integrate with other technologies like video surveillance and environmental sensors.
Of course, the ideal solution isn’t one-size-fits-all. It should be tailored to fit your building and meet the specific needs of your organization.
Day 3 – Grant Funding for a Safer Campus
In March, we explored available funding opportunities to assist with improving the safety and security of your campus in our blog, The 2024 Ed Tech Grant Opportunity Update.
We created this piece to remind both current and prospective customers that funding opportunities are available to help you create safer campuses.
A common concern we hear from organizational leaders everywhere relates to the cost of implementing security solutions. And understandably so, given the magnitude of these decisions that weigh performance and budget when assessing which options are viable fits. However, financial support may be accessible, particularly for solutions that have the greatest impact on the safety and security of your buildings and grounds.
State and federal funding sources are becoming increasingly available, recognizing the urgent need for technological solutions to protect schools.
If you’re interested in enhancing campus safety but unsure how to navigate the funding process, partnering with an organization like Eastern DataComm can provide the guidance you need to succeed.
Day 4 – A Trusted Vendor Partner Can Guide You Through Challenges Like Rip-and-Replace Requirements
We discussed why these cameras became a national security concern. We explained the necessary process of removing and replacing non-compliant surveillance equipment to protect the privacy of individuals at any given location. Additionally, we highlighted how replacing the now-banned cameras with those that meet NDAA requirements would enhance both campus security and privacy.
An additional benefit of replacing these cameras: prevention of the unintended sharing of confidential materials. Schools, businesses, and municipalities handle sensitive information daily, making the replacement of these cameras crucial for safeguarding that data and their communities at-large.
For the safety of both your information and your people, partnering with an organization that keeps you informed about impactful news and helps you navigate security decisions can make all the difference.
Day 5 – Leverage Our Must-Have Checklist to Create a Comprehensive Video Surveillance Solution
Many of our customers have come to us with questions about what we’d recommend as essential features and components for a robust video surveillance solution. For this reason we created this reference: 2024 Video Surveillance Checklist: Top 10 Must-Have Features. In this piece, we offered ten must-have video surveillance solution features we’ve found to be of greatest benefit to our customers. While not exhaustive, this list provides readers with an opportunity to explore some of the most valuable features available.
From high-quality video and AI-powered analytics to access control integration and mobile access, the list has helped our readers envision what the ideal video surveillance solution might look like to fit their unique needs. A well-rounded system also includes integrations with emergency response systems, environmental sensors, visual mapping, vehicle recognition, automated alerts, and easy manageability.
The list featured ten key items, encouraging readers to consider how each component could work together to create a comprehensive video surveillance system that keeps their campus connected and protected around the clock.
Day 6 – Create a Safer Campus with Environmental Sensors
While some solutions are a great fit specifically for school campuses or best designed for businesses, environmental sensors can augment safety and communications across virtually any community.
Environmental sensors offer a wide range of benefits to municipalities, businesses, and schools.
These benefits tend to fall into two broad categories:
Safety Risk Monitoring:
Tamper detection
Temperature and humidity monitoring
Motion detection
Aggression detection
Gunshot detection
Occupancy monitoring
Noise monitoring
Health Risk Monitoring:
Carbon dioxide
Temperature and humidity of food and beverages
Nitrogen dioxide
Air quality index
Presence of particulates
TVOC
Vape detection
THC detection
Carbon monoxide
Smoking detection
Barometric pressure
Formaldehyde level
The applications are endless.
That’s why it’s crucial to partner with the right technology partner, whether you’re tasked with protecting a school, business, or municipality. This relationship can truly assist by helping to prioritize needs and implement the best solution to ensure the safety of your campus.
Day 7 – Create a Culture of Campus Safety Year-Round
Municipalities, businesses, and schools all have the ability to foster a culture of safety across their campuses—and we encourage you to do so if you haven’t already. Creating a culture of campus safety means establishing clear expectations.
It’s about ensuring that everyone—whether employees, staff, leadership, teachers, or students—knows the steps they must take to stay safe within your buildings and on your grounds.
This could be as simple as reminding individuals to carry their ID badge each day so they can swipe it at the access control station when entering. Every small step in the right direction adds up to a stronger safety culture.
At Eastern DataComm, we lead by example, offering best-in-class, multifunction technology solutions such as cellular repeaters, environmental sensors, clocks, paging systems, VoIP systems, access control, and video surveillance. These solutions make safety and communication accessible for all.
We are committed to helping our customers stay informed and comply with state and federal regulations.
We actively seek opportunities to assist with funding for your technology improvement projects and guide you in advancing campus safety.
As your trusted vendor partner, we’re always here to meet your physical security technology needs.
Because together, we can keep our communities safe.
Day 8 – Strengthening Your Safety & Communications Ecosystem Through Comprehensive Approaches
While this blog focused on the business safety and communications ecosystem, the same approach can be applied to municipalities and schools.
Thinking about your campus community as a whole allows you to evaluate access control, environmental sensors, and other technology solutions both individually and in terms of how they work together.
This perspective benefits us in two key ways:
First, it moves us beyond a fragmented mindset where we see each solution as addressing only one specific issue. Instead, we broaden our view, which not only improves our planning but also helps when seeking funding or gaining support for the solution.
Second, it reveals how different systems can integrate to support one another, enhancing safety, communication, and security for your community, data, and campus.
For example, when implemented with best practices and careful attention to detail, environmental sensors, video surveillance, and access control systems can seamlessly work together. This integration provides valuable insights and long-term safety, offering peace of mind.
That’s the advantage of partnering with an experienced vendor. At Eastern DataComm, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Day 9 – Commitment to Campus Safety Means to Never Stop Learning
As with every fall, we invited leaders in education to join us for our School Safety Seminar Series. This year, our presenters shared an exploration of innovative technologies designed to enhance school security. These technologies included advanced video surveillance with AI, innovative access control systems, environmental sensors, emergency notification systems, paging bell and clock systems, VoIP phone systems, and of course the implementation strategies and best practices for each.
In the spirit of this educational event series, we’d like to invite you to Explore Our Webinars. Our webinar series offers insight from prior presentations on relevant topics in safety and communications technology.
Our goal in providing the webinar archive is to remain your steadfast vendor partner. We are here to support you as you create a safer campus and welcome any questions you may have before or after reviewing any of the webinar presentations.
Day 10 – Technology Evolution: Tomorrow’s Needs Met Today
Our needs grow and evolve as time goes on. Technology solutions that grow and scale with you are of increasing importance not just to our customers, but to tech consumers across the globe.
From cutting-edge developments like artificial intelligence to more robust analytics, companies we partner with, like Verkada, have proven not just to respond to market needs, but to do so quickly.
So, you may know that it’s time to evolve your safety and communications tech systems, but where do you begin? The first step is to brainstorm ideas based on the specific areas of need you’ve identified. Next, consult with a professional team to determine whether the solution to your challenge lies in a particular feature or technology.
As innovations continue to advance, the answer will likely remain yes.
However, the real challenge will be figuring out how to make the solution work for you. How can you integrate it with your existing systems in a way that makes sense and remains cost-effective?
That’s where the Eastern DataComm team comes in. We’re here to guide you from start to finish, providing support at every step of the way.
Swift and effective responses to threats are key to keeping your systems connected and secure—and that’s what we do best.
Day 11 – Improve Connectivity: Avoid Dead Zones with Cellular Repeaters
In November, we explored our Top Physical Security Tech Solutions to Safeguard Your Campus. In addition to discussing the importance of video surveillance, environmental sensors, access control systems, VoIP phone systems, paging systems, and emergency notification systems, we also mentioned a critical but often overlooked solution: Cellular repeaters.
If you’ve ever walked around a building and dropped a call or suffered poor reception, you know what it’s like to feel disconnected. Those instances can be frustrating as daily occurrences, but they can become life-threatening in the event of an emergency situation.
And that’s why cellular repeaters are so essential.
A strong network keeps your campus connected. Wired and wireless systems are part of a strong safety ecosystem and often, great lengths are taken to ensure that they are running optimally. All too frequently, we find that cell signal strength, which plays a pivotal role in the communications ecosystem, is often neglected.
Cellular repeaters enhance mobile communication by boosting cell signals within buildings and on grounds. Areas such as stairwells, parking lots, and basements often experience weak or unreliable cell signals. However, if members of your community frequently pass through these spaces, it’s crucial to ensure that signal strength is maintained for effective communication.
Cellular repeaters are designed to improve mobile phone performance in areas with weak signal or poor reception. They enhance reliability, reduce slow data transfers, and prevent dropped calls. These devices are essential for both everyday communication and emergency situations.
The campus safety tip is simple: Don’t fear dead zones—use cellular repeaters.
Day 12: Complete a Campus Safety Audit with Eastern DataComm
We’ve covered a lot of ground over the past year, and there’s even more to come in the year ahead.
If you’re wondering how to bring all these ideas together, our team is here to help.
We invite you to complete a comprehensive Campus Safety & Communications Audit with Eastern DataComm. Through a thorough diagnostic and consultative process, we’ll save you time and provide peace of mind by considering your team, budget, existing technology, strengths, and areas for improvement. Together, we’ll develop the right strategy to keep your campus connected and protected in 2025 and beyond.
Because you deserve a trusted partner by your side, every step of the way.
Connect with Our Safety & Communications Tech Advisors Today
How do you go about creating a safer school environment for your learning community? It’s certainly about more than a set of locks or a camera here and there. It’s far more complex and strategic than the individual solutions or assets themselves.
That’s why at Eastern DataComm, we encourage our customers to think in terms of a ‘School Safety Ecosystem’ (SSE), where policies, procedures, training, and technology work hand in hand.
When these pieces come together, they best safeguard your campus and create a district-wide culture of emergency preparedness that ensures students, staff, and guests know what to do and when. By understanding how each piece fits into the larger picture, schools can build a robust framework that prioritizes safety for everyone.
What Is Your School Safety Ecosystem?
The School Safety Ecosystem is a holistic way of thinking about the security of your school community that emphasizes the importance of blending different technologies and strategies. This approach helps schools create a cohesive communications plan. It provides clear notifications and empowers quick responses when emergencies arise.
When we take an ecosystem perspective, we prioritize technology solutions that facilitate fluid communication because we value effectiveness, integration, and efficiency. Specifically, we value those that suit our individual school-specific needs, those that offer real-time notifications, and those that promote teamwork among everyone involved. User-friendly solutions and those that reduce the chance for human error are of the utmost importance. These are the solutions that make use easy when stress levels are high and every second counts.
Given the rise of violence on campuses and ever-evolving threats to the safety of learning environments, schools need to assess their current systems and identify areas for improvement. The next steps are to review available solutions, like those we’ll share below, and consider how these solutions might address those areas of concern within their own SSE.
Video Surveillance
Video surveillance systems are one of the primary physical security tools to keep campus safe. Their mere presence helps to deter potential threats. Additionally, using these systems assists with resolving issues by monitoring your school’s buildings and grounds 24/7/365.
When you have video surveillance systems in place, you discourage malicious behavior. Additionally, should a crime or other unwanted event occur, you’ll have evidence for corrective action or when legal action is warranted, court proceedings.
On its own, your video surveillance system is an integral part of a School Safety Ecosystem. However, when combined with access control systems and emergency notification systems, it strengthens your ability to respond to emergencies more effectively and efficiently.
Enhancing Video Surveillance Without a Complete Overhaul
As video surveillance and video system security challenges arise, our team continues to work with customers to keep their schools and districts safe while keeping education budgets at the forefront of concerns.
That’s why we partner with industry-leading manufacturers like Verkada, who understand these challenges as well as we do. For example, Verkada’s Command Connector offers an alternative to costly rip-and-replace approaches that require you to start from scratch by leveraging existing camera hardware.
If you’re considering advancing or streamlining your video surveillance system, you can look to the Eastern DataComm team to help you increase efficiency. Best of all, with over 35 years of experience, we respect your budgetary guidelines so that the solution you choose addresses your most critical needs.
Environmental Sensors
Environmental sensors are technology tools that monitor a variety of conditions in the school environment. They track a myriad of conditions like temperature, detect vaping, and monitor air quality in areas like gymnasiums, classrooms, hallways, bathrooms, and cafeterias. These sensors enable you to ensure your students, visitors, and staff are safe and secure. Environmental sensor solutions act as another essential communications tool, providing alerts to school officials to apprise them of potential health and safety risks in real-time.
Integrating environmental sensors with other security technologies gives you a comprehensive picture of your school community. Ultimately, environmental sensors give you a chance to respond more efficiently and proactively to incidents and enhance overall safety.
At Eastern DataComm, Our Environmental Sensors Include Features Like
Safety Risk Monitoring:
Tamper detection
Temperature and humidity monitoring
Motion detection
Aggression detection
Gunshot detection
Occupancy monitoring
Noise monitoring
Health Risk Monitoring:
Carbon dioxide
Temperature and humidity of food and beverages
Nitrogen dioxide
Air quality index
Presence of particulates
TVOC
Vape detection
THC detection
Carbon monoxide
Smoking detection
Barometric pressure
Formaldehyde level
Leverage environmental sensors to support your entire school community’s safety and well-being.
Access Control Systems
Access control systems are essential in managing who enters school facilities. By controlling access points, schools can prevent unauthorized entry and ensure that only approved people have access to specific areas.
These systems enhance security during emergencies. Access control solutions help set clear visitor protocols. Implementing modern access control solutions allows schools to create a safe environment that meets their unique needs.
VoIP Phone Systems
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systems are vital for communication in today’s schools. They provide clear call quality and work well with other safety technologies. VoIP systems can automate responses, reducing the risk of human error and enabling lockdown or protective emergency procedures at the touch of a button.
It also bears mentioning that recent FCC guidelines mandate certain capabilities for multi-line telephones, so you’ll want to be sure your VoIP system complies with federal regulations as well. To learn more about those guidelines, you can visit this resource that our team has developed on the subject.
The most effective VoIP phone systems allow schools to quickly connect with first responders and send out emergency notifications. With features like 911 compliance and integrated alerts, VoIP systems enhance the overall safety framework you develop within your SSE.
Wired/Wireless Networks and Infrastructure
A reliable communication network is essential for keeping our schools safe. Both wired and wireless systems are part of the core of the school safety ecosystem. Essentially, they form the backbone of the system. Strong infrastructure allows information to flow smoothly. When you have high-quality cabling and strong wireless connections, you’ll have the stability your school needs for quick communication.
A strong network supports the technology used within the School Safety Ecosystem. It’s what helps staff respond quickly in emergencies and keeps daily communications running as planned. Wired/wireless network solutions and their infrastructure create a foundation from which a secure environment is built.
Cellular Repeater Solutions
Cellular repeaters have a very important role in the ecosystem. They enhance mobile communication by amplifying cell signals throughout school buildings. Wherever you might find yourself with a bad signal or weak reception, these devices ensure that mobile phones function optimally.
Cellular repeaters aid in the prevention of things like dropped calls and slow data transfers. Simply put, cellular repeaters contribute to the overall reliability of communication systems during emergencies and for day-to-day communications.
Paging Systems, Bell Systems, and Synchronized Clocks
Effective communication is vital during the school day and especially so during emergencies. Paging systems, bell systems, and synchronized clocks ensure that messages are delivered clearly and quickly.
These systems can be integrated with emergency procedures so you can deliver clear instructions during urgent situations, helping to keep everyone informed and safe. Plus the reliability of synchronized systems adds predictability to daily routines, which is crucial in stressful situations.
Emergency Notification Systems
Let’s be honest, not all emergency notification systems are created equal. Some rely on a single mobile or smart device application, while others send text messages that might not reach school visitors, substitute teachers, support staff, new student teachers, transfer students, students with disabilities, or brand-new students.
Comprehensive solutions like Eastern DataComm’s LENS (Lockdown and Emergency Notification System) offer rapid response capabilities. With features such as one-button alerts and automated notifications, LENS ensures that all stakeholders are informed during critical events.
The integration of various communication methods—visual, auditory, and mobile—creates a holistic approach to campus safety, ensuring that everyone, from students to emergency personnel, receives timely and accurate information.
Safety Starts with a Comprehensive Perspective
Building a strong School Safety Ecosystem involves integrating various technologies. When you combine an understanding of your own school community’s needs and the right strategic use of technology (like those mentioned above), your school can foster a secure environment that prioritizes wellbeing.
This comprehensive approach not only protects students and staff, but also cultivates a culture of preparedness that empowers the entire school community.
Our Team Is Here to Help Yours
At Eastern DataComm, we’re dedicated to helping you keep your school community connected and protected. Contact us for your complimentary school safety audit.
Together, we’ll identify your strengths and vulnerabilities and discuss how to enhance those areas with the right-fit technology.
And if you haven’t already, be sure to get your copy of our guide, Building a Safer School Ecosystem,here.
In the past decade, video surveillance solutions have undergone significant transformations, particularly in recent years with the introduction of advanced features like artificial intelligence (AI) and sophisticated analytics. These innovations are enabling organizations to tackle challenges more swiftly, respond effectively to potential threats, and streamline their daily monitoring operations.
For businesses, government agencies, and school districts looking to upgrade their surveillance systems, understanding these advancements is crucial for strategic and successful implementation. In this blog, we will explore the latest developments in video surveillance, highlighting how they enhance security while also addressing common concerns regarding cost and complexity. Join us as we delve into these exciting innovations and their practical applications.
Need-to-Know Advancements in Video Surveillance: AI and Analytics
With more information about AI-assisted video surveillance becoming available, many have been curious about exploring the powerful benefits these technologies offer for improving physical security throughout their organizations.
If you’ve thought about leveraging these solutions to make your offices and campuses safer, now is the time.
From AI-powered search to facial recognition to behavior analysis, the latest advancements in AI and analytics are changing the way organizations like yours approach video surveillance.
These features make it easier for teams to follow security policies and create safer buildings and grounds with added security, leading to faster response times.
And with enhanced analytics capabilities, users can interpret data more effectively, leading to better decision making. When you harness these cutting-edge video surveillance solutions, you can ensure you are creating a more effective, efficient, and safer environment for everyone.
However, the hesitation for many budget-conscious buyers has been that these new systems often required you to shift out or replace some of your older technologies in the process. A complete rip-and-replace of older camera equipment can be a deterrent for those who want to improve physical security but have limited access to funds. But the tide is changing.
The Real-World Challenges of Integrating New Video Surveillance Tech
Your video surveillance systems are a vital piece of your safety ecosystem. When it comes to updating these solutions, you may have faced a myriad of challenges ranging from equipment selection to implementation to maintenance and beyond.
One major obstacle that may arise is the issue of how to approach legacy systems and make sure that your new video surveillance solution works with whatever you add to the mix. This compatibility challenge can be difficult because it often requires some forethought, planning, and strategy to execute properly. And, in most cases, organizations face several integration obstacles along the way.
Another hurdle can arise when it comes to onboarding or training your staff to use new technologies or tools once they’re implemented or installed. Not only can employees and team members be resistant to change, but they may be at different levels of proficiency, requiring different approaches to get them comfortable with effectively using the new solution. Whatever the case, the truth remains the same: Successful implementation requires internal alignment and training.
While these are just two of the challenges you might anticipate when it comes to your new technology, it’s important to strategize about how to approach them. Having a technology partner who can help you plan for and seamlessly execute new systems or enhanced integrations leads to achieving success faster and often reduces costs that go along with the learn-as-you-go approach. Having a plan, after all, can make the entire process run much more smoothly.
Responding to Customer Needs with Innovative Solutions
Like Eastern DataComm, organizations like Verkada do their best to understand and respond to what their customers need. Many manufacturers are making strides to create solutions that tackle issues like surging costs and ever-lengthening installation times. These forward-thinking companies monitor feedback and adapt their designs, innovating and upgrading based on that feedback. The results speak for themselves: security systems that are streamlined and more budget-friendly.
By focusing on what customers want, companies like Verkada are joining our Eastern DataComm team in keeping customers more connected and protected than ever before.
Let’s explore an example of how they’re doing just that.
The Challenge
We often hear that our customers want Verkada’s cutting-edge platform, but worry they’d have to rip and replace the entirety of their old business video surveillance systems to make that happen. The prospect of doing so is not only time-consuming, but potentially a non-starter entirely if funding is limited.
And so with that financial burden looming, business decisions are made. Some put off their dream of a state-of-the-art video surveillance system for their organization. Others give up entirely on the solutions they really believe will best keep their communities protected. An unfortunate consequence would be to settle for less costly technologies that address some, but not all of their needs. But neither group needs to do so any longer…
Introducing: Verkada’s Command Connector
The Verkada Command Connector lets organizations quickly and easily connect older cameras to their system. It supports many features like video analysis, remote management, and easy storage. This tool helps make the switch to Verkada’s cloud system smoother, meeting modern security demands without overwhelming costs to you as a customer.
It represents Verkada’s industry-leading ability to adapt to meet its customers’ demands for innovative solutions. And it offers you the chance to reap the benefits of a leading-edge video surveillance system without a total and complete overhaul of your existing system.
The Benefits to Customers
The Command Connector helps our customers address a multitude of integration challenges when it comes to connecting their video surveillance systems with other existing technology solutions.
Using the Verkada Command Connector helps you avoid a complete system overhaul or reduce your rip/replace costs, resulting in significant cost savings for you.
Installing Command Connector also provides increased operational efficiency and added security through streamlined integration with your other systems.
And of course, integrating your systems with a vendor partner like Eastern DataComm means you’ll have the added value of a customized solution that’s tailored to your specific needs and works for your organization, buildings, and budget.
Creating Better Video Surveillance Results Begins with a Diagnostic and Consultative Approach
In today’s fast-paced technology environment, it’s essential to embrace the latest technological advancements while addressing how you can best integrate them with what you already have at your disposal. And while this is the best possible way to move forward, it can lead to challenges if you’re relying on a different vendor to represent each of the technology solutions that make up the entirety of your organization’s safety ecosystem.
At Eastern DataComm, we believe the best course of action is one where your technology partner helps you through a process of diagnosis, consultations, planning, and strategy. Working with you as a consultant to ensure you have the best-fitting solutions possible, our team assists you with implementing your chosen solutions and integrating them seamlessly. The benefit? You’ve now saved time and ensured your peace of mind throughout the entire process by trusting professionals who have delivered superlative results for over 35 years.
This diagnostic and consultative process leads to improved outcomes because it keeps the end goal in mind from the outset. Our focus bears in mind your operatives, budget, existing technology, strengths, and areas for improvement. And that’s not a process you’ll navigate with just any vendor.You deserve a partner who:
Is with you for the long-haul.
Provides expertise in customizing solution integration.
Delivers solutions that are tailored to your unique needs.
Curious about how these advancements can serve your organization? Check out our Video Surveillance Solutions, or Contact Us and we’ll help you make the decisions that are right for your needs and budget.
School safety is a top priority for educators, administrators, and parents alike. As threats evolve and technology advances, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve. That’s why our Eastern DataComm team is excited to announce the Fall 2024 School Safety Breakfast Seminar Series, a transformative event designed specifically for school leaders who are committed to enhancing their institution’s security.
Wednesday, October 9th: Hilton Long Island/Huntington, NY
Hilton Long Island/Huntington
598 Broad Hollow Road Melville, NY 11747-5002
Tuesday, October 15th: Hilton Garden Inn Washington, DC/Greenbelt, MD
Hilton Garden Inn Washington, DC/Greenbelt
7810 Walker Drive Greenbelt, MD 20770
Wednesday, October 16th: Maggiano’s of Bridgewater, NJ
Maggiano’s of Bridgewater
600 Commons Way Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Tuesday, October 29th: Hilton Garden Inn Hartford South, CT
Hilton Garden Inn Hartford South
85 Glastonbury Boulevard Glastonbury, CT 06033
Wednesday, October 30th: MOESC, Tinton Falls, NJ
MOESC
100 Tornillo Way Tinton Falls, NJ 07712
** Breakfast will be served at no cost for all registered attendees. **
For more information and to register, visit our event page.
Who Should Attend?
This event provides critical and cutting-edge information for key school district stakeholders including:
K–12 Superintendents and Business Administrators
School Safety and Security Professionals
Directors of Facilities/Operations
School District IT Professionals
Higher Education Administrators
Those leaders in education who are entrusted with ensuring effective daily communication and comprehensive safety for school district students, faculty, staff, and visitors
Why Should You Attend?
In today’s rapidly changing world, ensuring the safety and security of students and staff is more important than ever. Our seminar will feature expert-led sessions covering a range of innovative technologies designed to enhance school security. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Advanced Video Surveillance with AI: Discover how cutting-edge video surveillance technologies, powered by artificial intelligence, are revolutionizing school security. Learn about advanced analytics, real-world applications, and how these technologies can provide actionable insights to improve safety.
2. Innovative Access Control Systems: Explore modern access control solutions that enhance security by managing who enters and exits your school. Find out how these systems can integrate with other security measures to provide a comprehensive safety net.
3. Environmental Sensors: From detecting vaping and aggressive language to monitoring temperature, environmental sensors play a critical role in early warning systems. Learn about the different types of sensors and their integration with other technologies to create a safer school environment.
4. Emergency Notification Solutions: Effective emergency notification systems are vital for quick communication during crises. Our experts will share best practices and technologies that ensure timely and efficient notifications.
5. Paging, Bell, and Clock Solutions: Discover how coordinated communication systems contribute to overall safety by streamlining messaging and alerts across your campus.
6. VoIP Phone Systems: Understand the benefits of Voice over IP technology for school security and communication, and how it integrates with other systems to enhance overall safety.
7. Implementation Strategies and Best Practices: Gain insights into integrating various technologies into your existing infrastructure, budgeting, and ongoing maintenance to ensure long-term success.
What’s Included?
Free Breakfast: Start your day with a complimentary breakfast, and use this opportunity to network with peers and experts in the field.
Expert Insights: Hear from thought leaders at Eastern DataComm and ZeroNow about the latest trends and solutions in school safety.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow school leaders, exchange ideas, and discuss challenges and solutions in an informal setting.
Why Is This Educational Experience So Important?
School safety is not just about responding to incidents but about proactively creating an environment where students and staff can thrive without fear. By attending this seminar, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to develop and implement comprehensive safety strategies tailored to your school’s needs. You’ll leave with actionable insights and practical solutions to enhance your school’s security infrastructure, ensuring a safer learning environment for all.
Who Is Zeronow?
ZeroNow is the safety community’s movement to end harmful events in our schools. As a member-based non-profit, ZeroNow facilitates collaboration between industry, associations, and education partners to foster new solutions to keep our campuses safe and secure.
ZeroNow brings safety assets and education safety leaders together to establish the standards for school safety technology. We drive a unified voice to educate policymakers on the need for increased investment in school safety. For more information, please visit www.zeronow.org.
Why Is This Partnership Important?
By integrating Eastern DataComm’s cutting-edge technology solutions with ZeroNow’s focus on innovative school safety practices, this collaboration aims to enhance the preparedness of schools to handle emergencies swiftly and efficiently, ultimately saving lives. The emphasis on removing the human element from emergency communication is particularly important, as it reduces the risk of errors during critical moments.
Those school leaders who attend our event will garner valuable insights and practical strategies for improving school safety. Attendees will learn about the latest advancements in emergency response and communication, gain access to educational resources, and feel better equipped to connect with their staff regarding how to create a safer environment for the students entrusted to their care.
Together with ZeroNow and Eastern DataComm, we can make our schools safer for all those who enter them.
Reserve Your Seat Today
Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to advance your school’s safety measures. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to register early to secure your spot.
Click here to register for one of our seminar locations today!
Join us in October to gain the expertise needed to stay ahead of potential threats and implement cutting-edge solutions that will safeguard your school community. We look forward to seeing you there and working together to create a safer future for our students and staff.
Let’s take the next step in enhancing school security through innovative technology.
More About Our Presenters
Paul Jenne
Eastern DataComm National School Safety Advisor
Paul Jenne leads business development at Eastern DataComm, a safety and communications company with over 30 years of experience serving schools, businesses, and municipalities. As a father of three, school safety is a priority for him. He has worked with hundreds of schools, helping them create safer environments through effective technology. Paul’s goal is to improve day-to-day communications and provide cost-effective solutions to enhance community safety.
Dr. Kevin Eberle
ZERONOW
Dr. Kevin Eberle is a retired School teacher, Administrator, and COO for the past 32 years. He is presently an Education Consultant focusing on leadership, safety, and mental health. His passion is to keep students and teachers safe in the school setting. Through training with Trauma-Informed Care and using Restorative Practices in the educational setting, the culture and fabric of any school can become an effective learning environment where students can succeed. As a prior police officer before entering into education, Dr. Eberle was trained in emergency response and critical thinking as a tactical officer which assisted in helping create safe schools throughout his educational career.
Dr. Eberle will be co-presenting at all of our New Jersey and New York seminars.
Jeff Kelly
ZERONOW
Jeff Kelly is a ZeroNow Advisory Council member. He is a veteran of law enforcement and emergency management. As Director of K12 Solutions at Mutualink, he specializes in school safety solutions and is responsible for designing and implementing solutions nationally.
Mr. Kelly will co-present for our Connecticut seminar.
Jason Stoddard
ZERONOW
Jason Stoddard is the Director of School Safety and Security for the Charles County Public Schools (MD) and chair of the National Council of School Safety Directors (NCSSD). He is responsible for sustaining a safe learning and work environment for over 27,000 students and nearly 4,000 staff members. Since coming to the public schools in April of 2018, he has created the Office of School Safety and Security, been awarded millions of dollars in grant money, implemented major evolutions such as revolving backgrounds for all employees, options-based active shooter response, the “I love u guys” Foundation Standard Response Protocols, a state of art radio communication system with public safety interoperability, first its kind intelligence unit, drone program and most recently install Gun Detect, an artificial intelligence driven solution for surveillance cameras in all the system schools. Originally from a small town in Iowa, Mr. Stoddard came to the Washington, DC area while serving as a Security Police Officer in the United States Air Force. After completing his service obligation, he embarked on a career in civilian law enforcement. He spent over 20 years with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office rising to the rank of Lieutenant. His executive command assignments include tours within the Patrol Division, Special Operations Section (overseeing the SWAT team, K-9, Marine, Traffic, and Civil Disturbance), and Homeland Security and Intelligence Sections. He has a master’s degree in organizational leadership. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University, School of Police Staff and Command, and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Program.
Mr. Stoddard also serves as an adjunct professor at several universities, teaches executive-level leadership for the Maryland Police Training Commission, has authored several articles for magazines on topics ranging from school safety to organizational leadership, serves as a consultant for the Department of Justice and National Institutes of Justice, sits on several advisory boards, and has often traveled the country teaching school safety, active assailant response, leadership, data/evidence-based decision making, and crisis communications, and incident management.
Mr Stoddared will co-present for our Maryland seminar.
