O'FALLON, Mo. - One local school has become the first in its county to give police direct access to their new camera system.

They said it could save lives in the rare instance of an emergency, such as in the event of an active shooter.

St. Dominic High School in O’Fallon installed the new security system in the past year, which feeds directly to the Regional Intelligence and Information Center or RIIC.

It’s a change school officials, parents and police hope other districts will also implement.

The school’s president told FOX 2 the idea is to give police as much access as possible. That way, if a tragedy strikes, they can get in and secure the building as quickly as possible.

He said while he hopes they never have to use it, they are happy it’s there.

St. Charles County Police said they are grateful the school approached them about making the change.

While some schools have expressed concerns over giving police such access, a department official said when it comes to school safety, that access could mean lives saved in moments when seconds are critical.

Multiple parents told FOX 2 that they support police having such access.

School officials said the new security system cost them $275,000. They said $150,000 was covered by a federal grant.