Saratoga County and Ballston Spa schools adopt Mutualink for coordinated emergency response
The communication platform enables real-time links between schools and public safety teams in New York.
The Saratoga County Sheriff's Office and Ballston Spa Central School District have implemented Mutualink to improve coordination during emergencies. The technology provides a single platform for real-time communication between schools and law enforcement, including voice, video, radio, and text sharing.
Mutualink is a communication platform used by public safety agencies, educational institutions, and other critical infrastructure to support incident response. It allows different systems to work together and is currently deployed statewide in New York through a partnership with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (NYS DHSES).
Integration with PSAP and local systems
Steven G. Gordon, Director of Emergency Communications for the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office, says, “It is essential for a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) to access various systems through a single solution. Mutualink enables schools and other critical infrastructure locations to integrate directly with our PSAP, regardless of the vendor they use for CCTV and alerting systems.”
Ballston Spa is currently using the system during lockdown procedures, with plans to expand usage to large after-school events. The district seeks a platform that connects with its existing camera systems and enables secure remote access.
Dr. Gianleo A. Duca, Superintendent of Schools at Ballston Spa Central School District, says, “We chose Mutualink because we wanted a system that would integrate with our camera system, allow immediate access for law enforcement, and help cut down response time. Mutualink provides all that and also has the option of remote access for administrators who are off campus to assist with any situation.”
State funding support via BOCES
The purchasing process is supported by the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex Board of Cooperative Educational Services (WSWHE BOCES), which guides the district through State Aid applications. This support helps secure funding without increasing the burden on local taxpayers.
Sheriff Michael Zurlo says, “Ensuring the safety of our students requires collaboration among multiple partners. It is essential to establish strong partnerships and maintain clear communication. By working together with the Ballston Spa School District and WSWHE BOCES, and by implementing a reliable communication tool like Mutualink, we can respond more quickly, coordinate more effectively, and create a safer environment for every child.”
The Saratoga County PSAP uses Mutualink around the clock to coordinate with public safety partners during incidents. Gordon notes that real-time data sharing is critical during time-sensitive situations. “Mutualink enables Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) to connect instantly with school districts during an incident. This connection allows for real-time sharing of radio, voice, text, and video communications. Such integration significantly enhances our ability to disseminate life-saving information when every second counts.”
