New interactive security site for Newark students

  Eyewitness News

(Newark- WABC, May 15, 2007) (WABC) -- There's a new security plan in the works at Newark public schools.

It was started to allow everyone from parents to students to teachers to report incidents that could threaten a child's safety.

The Newark public school system has brought in new technology that will also allow the district to respond immediately.

School administrators would receive a phone message within seconds a threat is reported on thewatchfuli.com. The report can be made anonymously so the district hopes that makes people feel safer in reporting danger.

"If there's 1,000 children in that school, now there's 2,000 eyes and ears that can report on what they see directly into that school administrator. Surveillance cameras and metal detectors can't do that," said Kenneth Melveney, President of Watchfuli.

If school administrators believe it is a serious threat they can push a button and send a message to every parent, teacher and the police department.

Schools can be shut down in a matter of minutes.

"With this we will be able to make our community safer, and it will make it that children want to come to school more," said Dequan Foster, a seventh grader.

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