Mariano Picolomini
An intercom system that directs communication from classrooms to the sheriff’s office is scheduled to be installed later in the fall.
The system will enable students or teachers to communicate with the sheriff’s office or trigger a silent alarm that will alert the sheriff’s office. The system will have a two-way communication device so there can be contact between both parties, and it will have a specific identifier to let the officers know specifically where the call or alarm is coming from.
With the Pierce College campus exceeding 400 acres, the identifier will help the on-campus officers locate the call right away.
“This machine will bring a level of comfort,” said Paul Nieman, director of plant facilities.
The intercom will use Sprint/Nextel technology as the form of communication.
Pierce’s art and communication department came up with the idea and worked together with Sprint/Nextel to come up with the prototype. The final product is set to be priced at $500 to $600, but due to the fact that Pierce had a part in the process, the college will be getting the product for $200 each.
The service will cost a $7 charge per month.
Pierce President Robert Garber said, “It’s a positive direction for the college.”