New visitor identification system in place at school offices

Safety and security has been bolstered at the Fort Plain school buildings with the installation of a new Raptor visitor identification system in the main offices. The system requires all visitors to be vetted by a background check before they are allowed to enter the rest of the building.

“The safety of our students is our highest priority, and the Raptor visitor management system allows us to quickly identify those who may present a danger to our students,” interim Superintendent of Schools Kathy Dougherty said.  “The Raptor system will better allow us to screen visitors, contractors and volunteers in our schools and provide us with a safer environment for our students and staff.”

When a visitor enters the main office, school staff will ask them for a government-issued ID (driver’s license or permit, military ID, etc.) and instruct them to insert the ID into the Raptor system. Raptor will scan the ID and use it to search local and government databases, including the sex offender registry. Office staff will be able to see the results from the scan on a computer before approving the creation of an ID badge that identifies the visitor, the date and the purpose of their visit.  A visitor’s badge will not be necessary for those who visit our schools simply to drop off an item in the office or pick up paperwork.

Visitor information will be stored locally, so returning visitors will not have to scan their ID each time they come to the school. Returning visitors will still have to give their name and wear a photo ID badge when they are in the schools.

The registered sex offender database is the only official database checked by the Raptor system.  No other data from the ID is gathered or recorded and the information is not shared with any outside agency.