General Questions
What is the RAPTOR System?
The RAPTOR system is an advanced visitor management tool designed to enhance the safety of our schools. It reads a visitor's identification (such as a driver's license or state-issued photo ID card), cross-references it against a national database of registered sex offenders from all 50 states, and promptly alerts administrators if a match is found. In the event of a match, school administrators and law enforcement personnel can take appropriate measures in compliance with division policy KN: Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Information. If no match is detected, it issues a visitor badge containing the visitor's photo, name, and the date and time of the visit.
Why is the Isle of Wight County School Division using RAPTOR?
The safety of our students is our paramount concern. RAPTOR provides a consistent system for tracking visitors and volunteers while ensuring that only authorized individuals are granted access to staff and students. This safeguards their well-being while on school premises and follows division policy KK: School Visitors.
What information is gathered from the identification/license?
RAPTOR only scans the visitor’s name, date of birth, partial license number, and photo for comparison with the national database of registered sex offenders. No additional visitor data will be collected, and no information will be shared with external entities.
Do we scan every visitor into the system, including IWCS employees?
All visitors and guests are required to be scanned into the system. IWCS employees, possessing a district-issued ID badge may be requested to use the system as well. although they have already undergone thorough background checks and obtained clearances before employment. Item of Note: Teachers and Staff in which the employee number is being provided by PowerSchool may have a longer employee ID then the one printed on the badge. Your School IT Support or front office personnel should be able to assist in determining this information for staff if they are being asked to check in with the RAPTOR system.
Does Isle of Wight County Schools have the right to require visitors, even parents, to produce identification before entering a school building/campus?
Yes. According to state law and IWCS Policy, schools have the responsibility to maintain students' safety while on school premises. Identification may be requested for safety reasons, and individuals who cannot or will not produce it may be denied access.
What if a visitor refuses to provide, or doesn’t have, identification?
If an individual attempts to enter a building without presenting identification, the building administrator and/or the School Resource Officer will be contacted. If a visitor, volunteer, or contractor lacks a valid Photo ID or Driver's License, they will be asked to retrieve it. If unavailable, a school administrator will be contacted to assess the situation and determine authorization. No visitor should proceed beyond the Office and/or Welcome Desk without a RAPTOR badge.
What if there is a positive match with a registered sex offender?
In the event of a positive match, protocols will be followed as outlined in policy KN Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Information.
Will registered sex offenders and predators be given access to our schools?
Schools will follow the procedures outlined in policy KN: Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Information.
What about contractors, subcontractors, and vendors?
IWCS will follow policy DJF Purchasing Procedures for contractors, subcontractors, and vendors.
When will RAPTOR be in effect?
Starting September 2023, all Isle of Wight County schools will require visitors to sign in using RAPTOR.
How long does it take to check visitors in?
For initial sign-in with RAPTOR, expect a 1-3 minute wait while the scanner processes your ID. Subsequent visits are as swift as using handwritten name tags and sign-in sheets.
How will repeat visitors check in?
Once added to the system, repeat visitors can use the self-service kiosk or opt for a staff-assisted "quick find" feature for quick sign-in and badge printing.