The article was originally published by the Chronicle-Telegram of Lorain County, Ohio, and was written by Lisa Roberson.
This post is an excerpt. For the full article, click here.
SOUTH AMHERST, OH Firelands Schools will soon implement new security protocols requiring all visitors to provide photo identification to be cross-referenced through a national sex offender database.
The new check-in procedure will roll out district-wide Monday for all building visitors.
The new software system, Raptor, works by scanning a persons drivers license or state ID and then checks the name, date of birth and photo against registries in all 50 states.
After approval, the system will generate a visitors badge with the visitors name, the date and purpose of visit.’
Check-in procedures in place now involve parents or community members signing in and receiving a handwritten pass. This new system will print the visitors picture from his or her drivers license on the visitors pass.We believe the new security and safety procedures that are being initiated at Firelands are the appropriate next steps in the overall safety of our children, said district Superintendent Mike Von Gunten.
We want to take every reasonable step to ensure those visiting our buildings are clearly identified and we understand their purpose in the buildings because our first priority is to protect the safety and well-being of our students and staff,Von Gunten said.
The initial rollout of Raptor will be during regular school hours. Von Gunten said it’s not realistic to scan everyone who attends a basketball or football game when law enforcement is present. Anyone who wants to enter the buildings during the day will be subject to the screening.
There will be no favors,Von Gunten said. The only exception will be law enforcement officers in uniform or with clear credentials.
Using the address for Firelands Elementary School, 10779 Vermilion Road, in a sex offender database on the Lorain County Sheriffs Office website that allows visitors to pinpoint registered sex offenders, there are no offenders within a mile, one offender within a two-mile radius and nine registered sex offenders within five miles of the school.
State law restricts registered sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of a school, preschool or child day-care center.
Raptor came to the attention of the Lorain County superintendents through a vendor presentation at the Educational Service Center of Lorain County, said Greg Ring, ESC superintendent.
It was more than a year ago during a typical monthly superintendents meeting. Ring said he thought the product seemed like it offered a good service, but he has no idea how many districts went forward with a purchase.
Community members would want us to be aware and make sure we are protecting our children,Ring said. To be armed with information is a good thing when you dealing with children and looking out for their best interest.
However, Ring said he imagines that districts that use Raptor will need to develop screening protocols, especially if a parent is also a registered sex offender.
Those folks have rights as parents to information concerning their children, he said. It’s just wise for school staff to have some awareness and use some discretion and supervision when people are in the building.
Von Gunten said when circumstances arise where a visitor is flagged by the Raptor system, school officials will use discretion and involve law enforcement in the decision process.
According to information on Raptors website, the system instantly screens for registered sex offenders in all 50 states and can also screen for individuals with restraining orders, custody issues, suspended or expelled students, known gang members or for any custom alert. It doesn’t mention a screen for persons convicted of violent offenses not sexual in nature like drug trafficking, assault or domestic violence.
Ring said he imagines too many search criteria would prompt questions about civil liberties.
There comes a point where there is more information than we need to know, he said. Where you draw the line is up to districts.
