Aug 27, 2007 7:43 pm US/Central
Mansfield ISD Computer Targets Sex Offenders
MANSFIELD (CBS 11 News) ―
As kids head back to school many parents are concerned for their children's safety. One North Texas school district is taking an extra step to keep sexual predators off campus.
A new computerized security system, called RAPTOR, debuted on the first day of classes in the Mansfield Independent School District. The goal of the new system is to 'red flag' potential sex offenders.
Under the new system parent sign-in sheets a thing of the past, now adults are issued computerized badges when they enter the building.
The picture badge is handed out after adult's present state identification to school administrators. After a state driver's license is scanned, the computer performs a nationwide search for registered sex offenders.
"I'd rather take a little bit more time to do that than have somebody come in, a sex offender or whatever, take my child," said parent Brandie Melville.
The scanning units are in place at each of the 35 Mansfield schools and cost about $2,000. District officials say that's a small price to pay to help keep children safe. "It's something that parents want us to keep track of, so we responded to that," said Terry Morawski, Mansfield ISD.
Parent Gary Davis says the computer system gives him a better idea if his son is being kept safe.
If the computer system 'flags' a visitor as a registered sex offender that person will either be held in the office, while school administrators and district police are notified, or allowed to go on campus with a constant adult escort. Some sex offenders may be parents of students on a particular campus and have parental rights to see their students.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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