Schools To Run Sex Offender Check on Visitors

Source: WLTX
05-06-2008

Columbia (WLTX) -- Richland School District Two officials announced Wednesday a new program being implemented at all elementary schools in the district that determines whether visitors are sex offenders.

Officials say the computer program, entitled "New Lobby Guard," uses a touch screen and scans drivers' license information to match it with a national database of sex offenders.

According to a Wednesday press release, the machine prints a photo identification badge for visitors authorized to enter the school.

A red flag alert message is emailed instantly to front desk personnel when a banned visitor attempts to enter, district officials say.

Parents in Richland Two say it's peace of mind worth every second of their time.

"I don't have to wonder about people roaming the halls of her school," says Janet Moak.

Moak says the high-tech machine gives protection her worries couldn't.

"It's very user friendly and just knowing your child is in this environment gives you such a safe feeling," adds Moak.

The district says it's a matter of being proactive and parents agree.

"You have to ask yourself if you can risk your child being in harms way if you don't take an extra second to use the system," Moak said.

"Although it may seem inconvenient to visitors in the beginning, protecting our students and staff is of utmost importance," says Rick McGee, emergency services manager.

McGee says the program will significantly increase safety in Richland 2 elementary schools.

Each school has the ability to customize the system to meet its specific needs, including keeping track of volunteer hours, officials say.

Lobby Guard will be installed in all Richland 2 schools by the opening of the next school year.

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