Abstract: A personal safety network (PSN) is provided in which authorized members of the network may rapidly and efficiently communicate with each other regarding threats, emergencies, or other circumstances. The PSN provides virtually real-time, multi-way messages among at least the members of a predetermined group of authorized members of the PSN. The PSN may integrate sensor data from security devices such as cameras, badge readers, and smart locks, with messages created by authorized members. The PSN may also include a location data database for maintaining virtually real-time location information for authorized members. Messages may be composed using speech recognition as an alternative to typing. A system administrator may provide temporary access to first responders or other authorized entities to message threads and underlying messages maintained by the PSN. Pre-processing and de-duplication methods are disclosed for managing congestion during periods when a large number of messages are received by the PSN.

Abstract: A personal safety network (PSN) is provided in which authorized members of the network may rapidly and efficiently communicate with each other regarding threats, emergencies, or other circumstances. The PSN typically includes mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, on which a mobile application is running, an administrative server, and a push notification server. The mobile devices, administrative server, and push notification server cooperate to enable distribution of virtually real-time, multi-way messages among at least the members of a predetermined group of authorized members of the PSN. In addition, multiple PSNs may be linked together to effectively provide a single network for a large geographic area or remotely located, commonly owned or operated facilities.