This session examines how Alyssa’s Law is advancing school safety beyond its intended mandate of silent panic alarms to enable broader adoption of technologies. It highlights approaches to improving first responder communications and strengthening connected safety systems in K-12 environments.
First responder communication technology in K–12 schools has gained significant momentum over the last decade, driven by a growing number of tragedies and school safety concerns. One of the most impactful recent catalysts has been Alyssa’s Law, which mandates the installation of silent panic alarms in schools to immediately alert law enforcement during an emergency. While the law’s core focus is on panic alarms, its impact extends far beyond a single piece of hardware. In many states, Alyssa’s Law has become a gateway to broader safety enhancements. In Utah, the passage of School Safety Amendments (H.B. 84) expanded requirements beyond panic alarms to include comprehensive communication capabilities, safety protocols, and additional emergency preparedness resources. This includes Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES), which ensure that police, fire, and EMS personnel can maintain reliable communication inside school buildings, even when radio signals are obstructed by walls or infrastructure. In this session, Hunter Kampmoyer, West Regional Manager at ADRF, will discuss the importance of Alyssa’s Law to the growth of public safety in schools, as well as present a Mountain West-based case study that walks attendees through different approaches to deploying ERCES in school, and how the system can double as an important backup to other connected school safety measures currently running on WiFi, including those required within H.B. 84.
