Dothan City Schools is using a new system to bump up security around the district. The Visitor Management System will provide school safety managers and SROs with information to keep DCS students and employees safe in several ways. The system allows the front office staff to scan a guests driver’s license, which will then alert school official s if there are protentional issues connected to sexual
offenses, custody issues, or other potential problem areas.
If the guest is allowed in the building, they will be provided with a bade that tracks them in real time. Alerts are received if a visitor is still on campus past a designated time or that person is in a wrong location on campus. “This is another layer of safety at our schools. Visitors, contractors, and vendors will all have to be vetted by this system before being allowed access,” says Steve Parrish, Dothan City Schools Safety Coordinator.
Dothan City Schools’ School Resource Officers (SROs) and safety managers can easily access both real-time and historical data through specialized software, aiding them in making informed safety decisions. This system complements the district’s broader safety and security initiatives, reinforcing the importance of a “safety mindset” across all schools.
Dr. Dennis Coe, the Superintendent of Dothan City Schools, emphasized, “Whenever we can implement technology and resources that enhance the safety of our students and staff, we do so. We want parents to know that their children’s safety is our top priority. We are continuously adding more safety measures throughout the district, and this new system is a key part of our ongoing commitment to safety.”
The funding for the Visitor Management System comes from the state of Alabama’s Advancement and Technology funds, with the total cost for the project over the next three years amounting to $42,000.
