OPS implements new visitor screening program to boost security

January 21, 2021 | 12:09 am

Updated January 21, 2021 | 1:59 am

Photo by Ryan Richardson

Owensboro Public Schools has implemented a new visitor screening program, Ident-A-Kid, that both boosts security and streamlines guests access in every school in the district. 

Now, before a visitor can enter a school building they will be required to scan their driver’s license or official ID into a kiosk that will run their information through a nationwide sex offender registry and a custody background check. 

Alerts will be sent immediately to the appropriate staff if a check-in requires action. The software also more efficiently tracks student tardiness, early checkout for doctor appointments, and more that sync with Infinite Campus directly. 

“Any time a parent comes to a building to check out a student or visit a classroom or have lunch with their kid, whatever that may be, they will have to check in through this system,” said OPS Public Information Officer Jared Revlett. “It basically makes sure you have the right to pick up that child.” 

If someone trying to check in is flagged by the system, it immediately notifies a certain number of people in the building.

“It notifies the school resource officer, other people who need to know, but it also allows them to double-check that it’s a legitimate threat,” Revlett said. “It will also pull up pictures to compare to the person who is physically in the building.”

Once an adult checks in, a sticky name tag is printed for them to wear. Revlett said after a certain time period, the badge changes color to indicate if it is expired.

Revlett said for those who don’t have a driver’s license or a government-issued ID, there is a way to enter information manually.

Daviess County Public Schools have previously implemented Ident-A-Kid software at all of the schools in the district.

January 21, 2021 | 12:09 am

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