New mapping technology aims to make South Carolina schools safer

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – A new safety initiative is underway across South Carolina as the state works to enhance emergency response in public K-12 schools.

Every public school will soon have high-tech digital maps designed to help law enforcement respond more quickly and effectively during emergencies.

The technology is being provided by Critical Response Group (CRG), a company that specializes in creating advanced digital mapping systems.

Originally based on maps used for military operations, these detailed maps go beyond traditional blueprints. They have members of their team capture every room, hallway, and even closets within each school.

“We are going to treat this as if our own children go to those schools and make sure that they’re done properly,” said Michael Rodgers, CEO of CRG.

Rodgers’, who has a background in the military, said these digital maps will be securely integrated into 911 dispatch systems and the mobile devices of first responders, giving them access to up-to-date information in real time.

This can be crucial in high-stress scenarios like medical emergencies or active shooter threats.

“Unfortunately, when someone calls 911 he or she is going to say, ‘I’m having a heart attack in the teacher’s lounge,’ but unfortunately, today 911 nor the responding first responder have an accurate map that says where the teachers’ lounge is, which is slowing down their ability to respond as efficiently and safely as possible,” said Rodgers.

Patrick Kelly, a teacher in South Carolina, welcomed the initiative and noted that his school experienced an active shooter hoax three years ago.

“Officers arrived within minutes,” Kelly said. “I’m glad that we’re planning forward and putting every resource we can in place to keep our children safe.”

Rodgers emphasized that the need for accurate school mapping is a nationwide concern.

“We’ve mapped over 22,000 schools across the country and we have yet to find a single, accurate floor plan even in brand new buildings,” Rodgers said.

CRG have done maps in 45 states across the country, including higher education universities and sports arenas. Rodgers said they are also working on maps for private schools in the state.

The project for K-12 public schools in South Carolina is fully funded by the state, with just under $5 million allocated. CRG said the maps will be easy to update if schools expand or change, and they will be available to law enforcement at no additional cost starting in 2026.

This mapping effort is just one part of South Carolina’s broader school safety strategy.

State lawmakers have committed $20 million annually for the past three years and focus on facility upgrades; specifically, locking classroom doors, film on windows that’s bulletproof, creating secure entry points into buildings.

In Lexington County, there is a statewide training facility for local law enforcement for responding to active shooter situations on campuses.

In this year’s budget there was enough money allocated to have a school resource officer in every school.