Innovative Technology Making South Carolina Schools Safer

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is partnering with Critical Response Group, Inc. (CRG) to ensure every public K-12 school in the state has a digital, up-to-date map—providing first responders with a powerful tool to protect students when every second counts.  
 
Why it matters: 
In a crisis, rapid response saves lives. These easy-to-use maps help law enforcement and first responders to quickly navigate school buildings. Superintendent Weaver has led the charge to make schools safer through this battle-tested technology. Click here for more. To watch a quick video, click here. 
  
How it works:  
Access to CRGs is strictly limited to law enforcement and emergency management partners, with robust safeguards in place to protect data. These maps serve as a vital communication tool during crises, combining a gridded reference system with high-resolution imagery, detailed floor plans, and key structural features—both inside and outside the building. Each CRG is custom-built for every floor of a structure, integrating Critical Incident Mapping Data (CIMD) such as room labels, hallway identifiers, external access points, stairwell numbers, and utility locations. Designed for rapid use on any smart device, CRGs give first responders the critical information they need to coordinate emergency response with speed and accuracy. 
 
What’s next: 
CRG will visit every South Carolina public school to create current, detailed maps with floor plans, key landmarks, and aerial views—boosting emergency response and coordination. CRG plans to have the program in place at every school by early 2026.   
 
What they’re saying:  
State Superintendent Ellen Weaver: “Protecting the safety of our students, teachers, and school staff must remain our top priority. This mapping project harnesses state-of-the-art technology to equip our first responders with accurate information when minutes matter and lives are on the line. I’m deeply grateful to the Governor and General Assembly for their partnership which has made this possible. We now look forward to working closely with our law enforcement and first responder partners to successfully deploy and integrate this vital new safety tool.” 
 
Governor Henry McMaster: “Our children are our state’s most valuable resource and the key to our future prosperity. Together, we have made great progress in ensuring their safety in the classroom, and now, with the use of digital safety maps, we are taking another important step to strengthen preparedness and protect our students, teachers, and staff.”  
  
Sheriff Leon Lott, Richland County: “School safety is a number one priority for everyone. The school mapping program secured by Superintendent Weaver is a game changer. The mapping allows all public safety to have immediate access to current information on school facilities. In a critical incident seconds could be the difference between life or death. This program could save lives.”  

Sheriff Cambo Streater, Chesterfield County: “I would like to thank Superintendent Weaver for acquiring funding for critical incident mapping of South Carolina schools. This will positively affect all our schools and will help create a communications tool that will enhance first responders’ ability to respond to an emergency.”