News and Information

New Safety Scanner for Schools
Jennifer Akers, Fox 16, Little Rock, Arkansas

Mar 12, 2007 – Bryant Elementary becomes the first school in the country to use new state of the art technology, aimed at keeping kids safe. That's thanks to a grant from the Department of Justice. The new Raptor Scanner, is in place starting Monday. The Raptor scans the i.d.'s of everyone who tries to pick up a child from the school and is in sync with local police departments.
Administrators at Bryant Elementary say the Raptor was born after Hurricane Katrina because there were literally thousands of unaccounted sex offenders on the streets.

"I think that would be my worst nightmare, call school, took child, worst thing, glad system is in place here," said Lajena Holt.

Lajena Holt is like many parents worried that a break in the security system at her child's school could mean that a stranger, a sexual predator, or even a dangerous family member could walk off with her child.

That's why administrators lobbied for a $1,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, they got it and Monday at Bryant Elementary, the Raptor is making sure students don't go home with anyone their not supposed to. When parents come to Bryant Elementary to pick up their kids, the first thing they do is report to the office, then they hand over their drivers license, it's then scanned into the national database for sexual predators.

The whole process takes about 15 seconds. Bryant Elementary Assistant Principal Mark Scarlett says the process is easy on them and on you.

"The moment it comes up here, it comes up with the Bryant P.D. or LRPD, and let's everyone know," said Mark Scarlett.

Scarlett says the Raptor let's everyone know within a few seconds if the person trying to take your child is a convicted sex offender. Lajena says it's a win win situation.

"Two thumbs up, " said Holt.

If a dangerous person does try to leave with your child, local police will be alerted within seconds.