COURTESY PHOTO | Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker at Wednesday’s school safety seminar in Brentwood.

A Suffolk County lawmaker announced Wednesday details about a new study to determine the feasibility of an emergency notification system to link schools directly with police.

During the Suffolk County Police Department’s school safety seminar in Brentwood, county Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai) said recommendations to streamline communication between school districts and local law enforcement agencies will be included in the study. In addition, the report will look into potential costs and how it could be paid.

“If emergency notification systems are available to banks, hospitals and businesses, why wouldn’t we have the same system in place to protect our children?” Ms. Anker said in a press release. “A direct line of communication is critical. Seconds can save lives.”

The bill is currently being reviewed by the county’s education committee, which Ms. Anker serves as chairwoman.

The police department’s seminar comes about a month after the Newtown school shooting. Law enforcement officials offered guidance to school administrators at the seminar and discussed its emergency response plan in the event of a school shooting.

All public and private schools, colleges and universities located within the Suffolk County Police Department’s jurisdiction were invited to attend, officials said.

jennifer@timesreview.com