This story originally appeared on KRQE, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and it was written by Haley Rush. To view the original article in its entirety, click here.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) Rio Rancho schools are using an extra layer of security to make sure their schools are safe.
If someone walks into a Rio Rancho school, a background check is the first step.
To me, the very most important thing we need to do is keep all our children safe, said Patricia Divasto, Principal of Sandia Vista Elementary.
It’s called Raptor Technologies. Every visitor gives their drivers license to the front desk. The technology then scans the persons ID through the National Sex Offender Registry List.
Basically, it checks for any kind of background that shows they may have any predatory history, said Divasto
Rio Rancho Public Schools bought the system as a pilot program a couple years ago, with only a few schools participating. Now, its used in all 19 schools.
It is a way of checking who the visitors are on our campus, said Divasto
Rio Rancho parents KRQE News 13 spoke with said they dont mind the extra step.
It makes me feel very good, said Lisa Desanctis. I have three kids here.
Albuquerque Public Schools also use the technology at five of its schools. APS tells KRQE News 13 the schools that have the technology paid for it with their own budget.
