Raptor Technologies in the ISD

Posted February 27, 2024

The ISD will begin using the Raptor Technologies Visitor Management System in February 2024.

The Raptor Visitor Management System is a web-based software application that has been developed with the purpose of aiding educational facilities in tracking their visitors, students and faculty.  The Raptor Visitor Management system is capable of replacing many paper-based logs.  It will allow schools and facilities to produce visitor badges, monitor volunteer hours, and electronically check all visitors against registered sexual offender databases from all 50 states.  The overall goal is to better control access to all Independence School District (ISD) Schools; thus providing enhanced protection for our students and staff.

Process for Building Visitors

  • Push the button at the door and show your ID – as you do currently.
  • Once you are inside the front office, put your ID into the small kiosk device (similar to a toaster) next to the sign-in tablet.
  • Your photo is taken and printed on a sticker badge which prints immediately. Display this badge on your shirt or jacket.
  • Upon your initial visit, the process will take approximately 30 seconds. On return visits, the system will recognize your previous visit and will more quickly print your sticker badge.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What information is collected during this screening?
    Only the minimum data needed to accurately identify an entrant is collected: visitor’s name, date of birth, and photo (for comparison with registered sex offenders databases from all 50 states.) No other information is ever captured: no address information, no Social Security number, no physical characteristics data—hair color, eye color, weight. No other data is collected from the ID, and a photocopy of the ID is not retained.

  • Does Raptor Visitor Management run background checks?
    No – this system does not perform criminal background checks. The Raptor Visitor system uses a visitor’s name, date of birth, and photo to check against only (1) registered sex offender databases in all 50 U.S. states and (2) any internal ISD exclusionary list — those banned from district property, those under court orders, those under orders of protection, etc.

  • What types of ID are accepted?
    Raptor Visitor Management accepts a valid Driver’s License and/or State ID.

  • What if I am a parent/guardian who is on a Registered Sex Offender list?
    A person listed in a Registered Sex Offender database may still be granted limited access to a building, while being escorted by school district personnel, if that person has been pre-approved by the Superintendent. A person’s access to the building is up to the discretion of building administration.

  • What if I am undocumented or do not have the forms of ID listed above?
    The Raptor Visitor Management System allows for the manual entry of information (first name, last name, and date of birth) for screening purposes. The use of the manual entry of information is up to the discretion of building staff/administrators.

  • Do I have to do this every time I come to the building?
    Every visitor attempting to gain access to the school/facility for the first time must complete this process. Once a person passes the scan check-in process, they will not have to do the Raptor scan upon subsequent visits. However, they will have to show valid ID each time, as is the current process.

  • Do I have to do this when I leave the building?
    You do not have to complete the scan check-in process if you are simply signing out your student. You are required to return to the front office when your building visit is complete in order to surrender your badge so it may be destroyed.

  • What if I am attempting to access the building outside of office hours? For example, before or after school for Kids’ Safari drop off or pickup?
    In this event, you will continue to push the button at the door and show your ID – as you do currently.

  • What if I refuse to show identification?
    The ISD has the right to refuse access to any person attempting to enter any of our buildings, schools, or facilities.