The article originally appeared on the neighborhood news resource TAPinto for Summit, New Jersey. To view the original article, click here.
SUMMIT, NJ – Beginning for its summer session, which starts June 20, the Summit Area YMCA will require all adults over the age of 18, including volunteers, to present a form of state- or government-issued photo identification — thus getting cleared by its new Raptor System — before being able to enter the facility.
Once cleared, the individual will no longer need to present their state or government issued photo ID on future visits. Parents and guardians who are dropping off children in YMCA programs will also be required to be scanned, and will also be provided an access card for the duration of their participating child’s program session.
Registration for this process began on June 6 for family members, June 7 for youth / adult members, and June 13 for community members for summer programs.
According to the Summit Area YMCA, the introduction of the Raptor system — manufactured by Houston-based Raptor Technologies — is in line with the YMCA’s goal to provide the best service in both hospitality as well as safety, with the safety of its members, especially youth, being integral to the successful development of a strong and secure community.
Each year, the Summit Area YMCA serves more than 10,000 individuals with their free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the communities of Summit, Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Millburn, Springfield, Short Hills, Gillette, and Stirling.
The Raptor System’s instant screening program allows Summit Area YMCA staff to better protect members and guests from unwanted visitors, namely sexual offenders. If a potential threat is identified, the Raptor system sends instant alerts to designated management staff via email and text.
Law enforcement would then be notified if necessary. More than 15,000 school and community facilities throughout the United States are protected by Raptor, a program with a comprehensive database with over a decade of accumulating data that updates on a weekly basis.
