This article originally appeared on WDRB.com and was written by Stephan Johnson. To view the original article, click here.
CLARKSVILLE, IN – The Clarksville Police Department is using money from drug busts to pay for a system that does background checks at local schools.
“Security is just a big concern in all public schools today,” said Kimberly Knott, Superintendent of Clarksville Community Schools.
Knott is responsible for the safety of hundreds of students.
“I can’t tell you how many family members or individuals will want to go on a field trip at the last minute,” she said.
At least two Clarksville schools are able to grant last minute access by using the Raptor System. It is technology that provides instant background checks on all visitors.
“Instead of having to deny that opportunity because of timing, we can come in, we can run background checks. and if they’re clear, they can go right away,” Knott said.
The Raptor Systems are $1,600 each.
“This will be our third raptor system,” said Chief Mark Palmer with Clarksville Police.
On Thursday morning, Clarksville Police presented a check for another system to Clarksville Middle School.
“This is one of the perks of the job,” he said.
Chief Palmer also said the money comes from drug busts and the hard work of dedicated narcotics detectives. The same money has also been used to paint the department’s Hummer. On the back of the truck it says, “Paid for by your local drug dealer.”
“They’ve been able to bring that money back, confiscated it from these individuals that are out here buying drugs or selling drugs and get it released from the court based upon their good case work, and we’re able to come back and use it for the community,” Chief Palmer said.
So, have the system’s produced any red flags?
“We have, and we dealt with those,” Knott said.
And that’s why she is usually stress-free when it comes to safety.
“Our parents don’t have to worry, the grandparents don’t have to worry, community members don’t have to worry,” she said. “That gives me, as a superintendent, great peace of mind so that I can sleep at night.”
Clarksville police are working on putting raptor systems in more schools in the near future.
