New School Security Will ID Sex Offenders

Source: WSMV
04-02-2008

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Metro schools use random car and locker searches, uniforms and strict policies on drugs and weapons, but even more security measures are on the way.

Video: Metro Schools Receive New Tools To Increase Security

One new measure being used is metal detectors like ones used at the airport.

The detectors are being tested out at various schools all over the city and a new way to check in and a bomb sniffing dog could be coming next.

Schools hope to soon use a system known as Lobby Guard. It is being used at the district office and will soon be installed in four schools.

Anyone entering the buildings gets their driver’s license scanned, and the system has the ability of making sure those signing in aren't on the sex offender registry or presenting an invalid license.

"It would mark void, and that sends us a message. If something comes out, void will come up," said Metro Nashville Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Ralph Thompson.

Thompson said the Lobby Guard will be tested for several months to see if it helps curb unwanted visitors.

"And then if it is fruitful as we think it will be, then we'll look at phasing it in to various schools next year," he said.

Also, in addition to a drug-sniffing dog, the district may soon have a bomb-sniffing dog donated to it. And since the system already has a certified handler, the $30,000 security measure will end up costing nothing.

"It will help us with bombs, we don't have a lot of problems with that, but you never know, it's about being preventive, and we want to take that preventive step. But more importantly for gun powder and weapons and things like that, this, we believe, will help us in that area," Thompson said.

Thompson said adding security is the only way to ensure that no one loses out on education.

"We value all of our children. We value all of our staff members, and we’re going to do whatever we can to make people feel safe and to keep out those that are unsafe to our environment," he said.

For one week before and one week after spring break, Metro police and school security officials saturated schools and performed more than 400 car searches and 3,000 locker searches, which will happen again before the school year is over, officials said.

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