Principalm Enhances School Security In Virginia
VIRGINIA, USA, 2008 - Thanks to the Newport News Police Department in Virginia, Newport News Public Schools were able to obtain 48 Principalm software licenses and compatible hardware devices for mobile student information and did not have to pay a dime! According to Donald Green, Supervisor of Security at Newport News Public Schools, they first heard about Principalm through their on-site School Resource Police Officers. A neighboring city was using Principalm for their police department work inside the schools and they thought it was a great tool.
“With Principalm software on a hand-held smartphone, our school staff could instantly tell who belongs in the school and who doesn’t. It was obvious how Principalm could contribute to safety in our schools,” says Donald Green. Principalm provides detailed information about students and staff, including pictures, names, emergency contacts, class schedules, locker numbers and combinations, parking stall numbers and license plates, and more.
“Through the ‘COPS: Secure Our Schools’ grant through the US Department of Justice, we were able to obtain funding for 50% of the software and hardware. The remaining 50% was paid through the Newport News Police Department’s Asset Forfeiture Funds,” says Donald Green.
Upon receipt of the funding, the Principalm software and compatible hardware was purchased and distributed to the on-site Newport News School Resource Police Officers. After initial implementation, the remaining devices and software were distributed to the schools’ principals.
“The principals and security officers are all very enthusiastic about using Principalm. It is easy to use and is a great way to know who should be in the schools. It is also a valuable tool for helping students find their right classes at the beginning of the year,” says Donald Green. “We look forward to having Principalm on hand to address discipline and security issues instantly.”
Donald Green, Supervisor of Security, Newport News Public Schools
donald.green@nn.k12.va.us
RESOURCE: ‘COPS: Secure Our Schools’ Grant; US Department of Justice: (http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/default.asp?Item=2126)