Paris, Tenn — Henry County School System will be adding two new safety measures this school year as part of its safe and supportive school initiatives. Beginning August 20th, visitors at each school will go through an enhanced security screening process that will check the national sex offender database before being issued a visitor pass. The Visitor Management System from Raptor Technologies will take a visitor’s valid ID and scan a national database that will alert if the individual is a threat to students or staff, as well as custodial issues. When the entry is approved, Raptor will issue a badge that identifies the visitor’s name, the date, and the purpose of the visit. If a scan shows an alert, then a building administrator and/or SRO will meet the visitor in the school’s front office.
In addition to the visitor management system, the schools will also use an easy app called STOPit, which allows students to safely and anonymously report anything of concern to school officials – from cyberbullying to threats of violence or self-harm. Students can submit anonymous reports by text, photos, or video. Administrators are then able to manage and investigate the incidents and message with the reporter, which will allow school administration to address issues instantly.
STOPit empowers students to stand up for themselves and others while giving schools the information needed to keep students safe.
Director of Schools Brian Norton said, “These two safety and security enhancements will serve as deterrents. STOPit provides an opportunity for our students to be heard and to have a voice. It provides students a means to say something when they see something. The RAPTOR will help us screen out registered sex offenders, manage custody issues, and respond to emergencies, giving us a better understanding of who is in our buildings.”
Photo: Tony Lawrence and Missy Hamilton wearing the badges today at a Henry County Prevention Coalition meeting held at Henry County High School. (Susan Burton photo).
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