Popular Local Jogging & Hiking Trail Decides on Always-On Emergency Response
Community Responds to an Attack with CASE Wireless Emergency Communications Systems
What They Needed:
The Hopkinsville Greenway System in southwestern Kentucky already had a video surveillance system in place to help enhance safety for the thousands of joggers, cyclists, walkers, hikers, and others that use the scenic outdoor trails for exercise and recreation. But it wasn’t enough to prevent a woman from being attacked and raped while on the trail. Even though the victim escaped and found her way to safety, and even though police eventually did apprehend the assailant, the city recognized a need for proactive emergency response that citizens themselves could control. CASE Blue Light Towers answered the pressing need with emergency communications equipment that could successfully serve multiple functions.
How CASE Responded:
Because of the natural setting of the trail, traditional wired systems for electricity and technology were limited and/or non-existent for desired locations of equipment. This made CASE an ideal solution because of its fully wireless, no-trenching installation. A solar panel and 10-day battery backup plus 4G-ready cellular communication meant towers could be installed in as little as 15 to 20 minutes by Hopkisville’s own city grounds team. As well, when the emergency 911 button is pressed, alerting police and emergency dispatch is only the beginning – the towers also feature a GPS beacon to alert emergency responders to the exact location of the tower, a flashing strobe to signal responders and others in the area of an emergency taking place, and automatic video recording activates when the button is pressed.
What’s Next for CASE?
The City of Hopkinsville is already operating three CASE Blue Light Towers along the greenway system and has indicated a desire to add more towers as the greenway expands and as other areas throughout the community identify a need for enhanced security.
City Administrator Troy Body told the local news media that, “we want people to be able to have confidence that they’re safe and we’re watching.” CASE is proud to be the resource making that promise possible.
The CASE Blue Light Towers offer simple one-button activation of voice and video monitoring that connects to the local police and emergency dispatch center. The operator can then assess the need and deploy the necessary first responders to the scene. Scenarios in which CASE Blue Light Towers can help provide immediate response include:
Evacuations for fire, bomb threat, active shooter, or other emergencies where cell phones may be left inside or unusable
Lockdowns in which the sound of cell phones may attract the attention of school intruders, a single teacher, administrator, or security guard can activate the emergency system with a touch of a button
Athletic emergencies during Phys. Ed. or sporting events, when students and coaches have cell phones in lockers instead of close at hand
Fundraisers, pep rallies, and other events held on campus during which an emergency may occur