Dist. 34 installs technology that identifys sexual predators

When classes resume this fall, it is going to take more than a nice smile to get into Antioch elementary schools.

Antioch Elementary District 34 is the latest school system to install technology that uncovers a visitor's criminal record with the swipe of a driver's license.

"It takes the safety and accountability factor up one notch by letting us know immediately if the visitor is a (sexual) predator," said Scott Thompson, superintendent.

The initial cost of the system is about $1,800 per unit, with an annual cost of $450 to update the software and provide maintenance.

All Antioch elementary schools will have the units in place for the beginning of the school year.

Antioch Upper Grade School received a Department of Defense grant that paid for the initial $1,800 investment.

"For what it provides you, it's really cost-effective," Thompson said.

The identification system, developed by Houston-based Raptor Technologies, is called V-Soft.

By scanning state-issued identification cards, school officials know immediately if the person has been convicted of a crime by searching databases from 42 states.

If no match is found, the optical reader captures data from the license, including the photograph, and prints it on a visitor badge.

Antioch Police Chief James Foerster said the system is an excellent idea because it not only makes sure the people coming into the school have a clean criminal history, but also reassures people working inside the building.

Antioch High School District 117 installed the software in 2005. At the time, only three other districts in Illinois were using V-Soft.

Today, 25 Illinois school districts use the system, including Emmons School District 33, also in Antioch.

"What we wanted was security and peace of mind," said Mathias Tabar, Emmons superintendent. "This does that in an unobtrusive way, without being accusatory. You hate to think it has to be in schools, but since it is, we are really pleased with the product."