GSN_May_FINAL_Yumpu

Satellite Communications
Maine college using satellite
technology to help prevent
sexual assaults
BANGOR, MAINE (PRWEB) May
17, 2016 – Since October of 2015,
Husson University has been the
site of an extensive pilot program
with the Peace of Mind
Company to test a keychainsized,
POM personal security
device that calls campus safety
and security with the touch of
a button. Today, the University
announced, after thoroughly testing
the device, that it is making this
technology available to all members
of the university community who
are interested in subscribing to this
annual service.
“Safety in the classroom, office
and other public spaces is always an
important priority for Husson University,”
said Executive Director of
Safety and Security Raymond Bessette.
“We believe that the addition
of the POM device and subscription
to our current security regimen will
provide an added measure of safety
and security on our campus.”
When the POM keychain-size device
is activated, it sends a GPS location,
profile information, and the
student’s picture to Husson Safety
and Security. With a $45 annual
subscription, members of Husson’s
campus community can choose between
a Silent POM that emits no
sound when activated or a Signal
POM that beeps and buzzes when
activated. The Signal POM also offers
two-way communication with
Husson’s Safety and Security dispatcher.
The Silent POM, on the
other hand, allows the dispatcher to
hear communication but does not
allow the signal activator or anyone
near this individual to hear the dispatcher.
The U.S. Department of Educa-
38
tion’s Campus Safety and Security
Data Analysis Cutting Tool continues
to show that Husson University
has one of the lowest levels of
campus crime in Maine. “Our University
continues to be one of the
safest campuses in the country and
we want it to stay that way,” continued
Bessette. “One sexual assault
on campus is one too many. We’re
hoping that this device can help
make our already safe campus,
even safer.”
Husson has installed and
trained their Safety and Security
dispatchers on the specially designed
POM software that shows
the location, picture and profile information
of anyone who activates
the device. The device pairs easily
with a Bluetooth-enabled mobile
phone. If a student or other member
of the Husson community activates
the device while they are off
campus, the software automatically
redirects the signal to local law enforcement.
This device has several unique advantages.
Unlike the call boxes currently
on many college campuses,
anyone who feels threatened carries
the ability to initiate emergency
communication immediately from
wherever they are. Since activating
the POM device only requires
pushing one button, those in danger
need not worry about trying to