Atlanta-based campus security technology company credited with quick police response in mass shooting

Police officers gather near Apalachee High School after a fatal shooting on Sept. 4, 2024.
Police officers gather near Apalachee High School after a fatal shooting on Sept. 4, 2024. (Chamian Cruz/WABE)

Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith credited emergency alert technology Centegix for alerting first responders to the mass shooting at Apalachee High School so quickly on Wednesday.

The credit card-sized ID is worn on a lanyard with a button that staff can press to covertly and immediately alert the school, other teachers and law enforcement about health or safety issues. 

“Centegix alarms us and alerts the law enforcement officers after a button is pressed on the ID,” said Smith at a press conference late Wednesday night. “It alerts us that there’s an active situation at a school. That was pressed. We’ve had that for about a week now.”