GSN_May_FINAL_Yumpu

testing, Jopeck said the system allowed
approaching law enforcement
officers to know what the shooter as
they approached the subject.
Also, Battelle’s audio sensors do
not need line of sight clearance to
identify a shot thanks to a proprietary
two-stage algorithm developed
to identify gunshots sounds with
accuracy. Because of that development,
Jopeck said buildings need
fewer sensors installed, especially
in large open spaces with columns
– such as a library or cafeteria – that
could prevent the visual flash of a
weapon from being detected.
But the system doesn’t just help
law enforcement officers. It also aids
building occupants by disseminating
critical information via public
address announcements, phone
calls, text messages or computer
displays to help them escape or find
appropriate shelter.
“Completely researching, reimagining
and then re-inventing the
response to active shootings helped
Battelle find better approaches to
saving lives that many active shooting
experts had missed,” Jopeck said.
In addition to the FLETC testing,
Battelle has also tested the system at
Reynoldsburg High School, which
is located near Battelle’s headquarters
in Columbus, OH. The system
has been in place for two years, with
Battelle officials implementing new
technology into the school’s system
as it’s developed.
“We are always seeking better ways
to protect our students and teachers
in Reynoldsburg City Schools,” said
Tina Thomas-Manning, Reynoldsburg’s
superintendent. “Battelle’s
science capability and world-class
reputation for supporting education
initiatives gave us confidence to give
the system a trial run and evaluate
its capabilities.”
Since the successful tests at the
FLETC’s Georgia training facility,
Jopeck said Battelle has received
interest from government agencies
and businesses about getting the
system installed in their facilities.
However, in order to meet that demand,
Jopeck said the organization
is looking to meet with technology
companies to help them make
the technology available to a wider
market, such as schools.
The first systems should be installed
by the end of the calendar
year, he added.
29
U.S. Attorney pays tribute to
Ohio cops
Continued from page 23
en approaches to enforcement. In
many respects, the police here in
the southern half of Ohio are leading
the way in developing innovative
approaches to today’s crime
problems. The police here are not
immune to mistakes—who is?—but
they are trying, and they care deeply
about the communities they serve.
That warrants support and commendation.
May 15-21 served as National Police
Week. It is a tradition that has
grown out of President John F. Kennedy’s
proclamation in 1962 that
designated May 15 as Peace Officers
Memorial Day. Tragically, within the
past year, Cincinnati Police Officer
Sonny Kim, Danville Police Officer
Thomas Cottrell, Columbus Police
Officer Steve Smith, and Hilliard
Police Officer Sean Johnson have
lost their lives in the performance of
their duties. They were not only public
servants. They were family members,
neighbors, and friends. As we
remember them, let’s reflect on all
police officers this way. The officers
who serve here in the Southern District
of Ohio are not some video clip
from a far-away state. They are family
members, neighbors, and friends
who perform a dangerous, difficult,
and essential job with honor. I thank
them for their service.