New Security Device Put To Use In Edmond Schools

A new piece of electronic equipment is going into use this school year at Edmond schools in an effort make students safer.

"It wasn't intimidating but it was interesting," said Chiquita Nolan.

Nolan is making sure her son, has everything he needs before school starts. But first she had to get into the building.

"When you come in you scan your driver's license and takes your picture right there," Nolan said.

The device is called the Lobby Guard. It's a new electronic system that scans visitors' ID's, then runs background checks to make sure you are supposed to be there.

"I am very protective over my children, maybe over protective, but I like it and I'm excited we're in a school that's actually doing it," Nolan said. "When she told me how many databases it's searching, I like that."

"This will catch sex offenders or anyone who might want to hurt children or anyone who has a court order to stay away from their children," Edmond Public Schools spokesperson, Susan Parks-Schlepp said.

Parks-Schlepp says it's something all parents in the district need to be ready for. And there are nearly 23,000 kids in the district.

"It's simple, It's easy," said Parks-Schlepp.

Nolan says it's no big deal and she's glad the district is taking steps to protect her son and everyone's kids at school.

"I like the fact it's going to be safe and secure for the kids. Not just anyone can walk in and give them something and get by," Nolan said.

Once you scan your ID the system checks the software to see if you're a sex offender or court ordered to stay away. No alarms go off, but it instantly notifies the district and security that someone who's not supposed to be around the kids is in the building.

Edmond Public Schools has done a pilot program at one of its elementary schools for six years now and the district says in that time, it has caught sex offenders.