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Atlas One Milwaukee school safety app unveiled
The Milwaukee Police Department announced Wednesday that it has partnered with Atlas One, a school safety smartphone app.
MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Police Department announced Wednesday, June 8 that it has partnered with Atlas One, a school safety smartphone app.
Before squad lights flash and crime tape cordons off the scene, MPD hopes the new partnership with Atlas One will shine a light on suspicious activity.
"As we all know, our students need to be safe," Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said.
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Students, their parents and school staff can use the app to have direct communication with police or the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office. It allows the user to remain anonymous and send photos or videos, too.
"This app and this tool will allow for real-time communications to get the support that's needed to make sure that our students are safe," said Dr. Keith Posley, superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools.
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Milwaukee school safety app announcement
Milwaukee officials, including Police Chief Jeffrey Norman, announced on Wednesday, June 8 the launch of a new school safety app.
"We have a simple mission: Build modern technology to keep our community safe by empowering residents to make a difference," said Atlas One's Jamieson Johnson.
The difference with the app is timing. MPD's Fusion Division can respond to the messages, opening a line of communication after MPS ended it's contract with police in 2020.
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"This does not replace 911 or our non-emergency line. This just gives another voluntary communication platform for students, and also parents, in regard to being able to contact the Milwaukee Police Department," said Norman.
How it works
- Download the free iOS or Android Atlas One app
- Tap "GET STARTED" to create your Atlas One profile
- Share your location or add favorite places, such as your school, to get geo-fenced alerts
- If an alert occurs nearby your current location, or your school, the app will send a push notification alert
- Users can easily share anonymous crime tips and suspicious activity, and even enter into a two-way text conversation
A $250,000 grant from a branch of the U.S. Department of Justice is paying for the program.