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Mayor Adams Announces First-in-Nation Technology to Integrate Public Schools with 911 for Rapid Response to Active Shooter Situations

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has launched a groundbreaking initiative to enhance public school safety, marking a significant milestone in the nation's efforts to combat gun violence. A cutting-edge technology, developed by the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI), will integrate public schools with 911 services for rapid response in case of an active shooter situation. The new Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be piloted in 25 school buildings across five boroughs, representing 51 public schools, during the 2025-2026 school year. This innovative system provides an immediate, secure, and automated pathway for public schools to directly alert 911 of a critical emergency, allowing for a swift response from law enforcement.

Key Takeaways:

  • The New York City Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) has developed a cutting-edge technology to integrate public schools with 911 services for rapid response in case of an active shooter situation.
  • The new Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be piloted in 25 school buildings across five boroughs, representing 51 public schools, during the 2025-2026 school year.
  • Each participating school will have multiple fixed buttons and wireless lanyards that can activate the emergency system during a hard lockdown sparked by a weapon-based threat.
  • The system bypasses the 911 call flow straight to real-time dispatch, providing emergency responders with pertinent information on the school.
  • The EAS can initiate a 911 response in under 10 seconds and will be activated from multiple fixed buttons and wireless lanyards within a school.
  • The system will also send electronic notifications to NYPD School Safety and New York City Public Schools officials.
  • The technology was developed in collaboration with the Mayor's Office, New York City Public Schools, and NYPD's School Safety Division.
  • Over 24,097 illegal firearms have been removed from city streets since January 2022, including over 4,100 this year alone.
  • Shootings have decreased by 67 percent citywide since before Mayor Adams came into office.
  • The launch of this initiative marks a vital step forward in strengthening public school safety and protecting lives in New York City.

Statistics:

  • 25 school buildings across five boroughs will participate in the pilot, representing 51 public schools.
  • Each participating school will have multiple fixed buttons and wireless lanyards that can activate the emergency system during a hard lockdown.
  • The EAS can initiate a 911 response in under 10 seconds.
  • Over 24,097 illegal firearms have been removed from city streets since January 2022, including over 4,100 this year alone.
  • Shootings have decreased by 67 percent citywide since before Mayor Adams came into office.
  • Major crimes dropped by 3.8 percent in September 2025.

Sources:

  • New York City Mayor's Office
  • New York City Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI)
  • New York City Public Schools
  • NYPD's School Safety Division
  • Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez
  • Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz
  • Staten Island District Attorney Michael E. McMahon
  • New York State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud

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