New Spokane school security system bars sex offenders, other banned individuals

Spokane middle schools and high schools installed a new entry security system this week that automatically bars sex offenders and other banned individuals.

Badge Pass requires visitors to scan their driver’s license or state identification card when they enter a building.

The visitor’s name is then checked against the Washington state sex-offender list, as well as a “restricted individual” list, according to a district news release. Restricted individuals include those who have a court order barring contact with an employee or student. If someone is on one of the lists, school resources officers will be called.

For visitors who do not have an ID the principal can make a case-by-case decision. For parents who don’t have ID the district will issue identification cards.

The program is funded by the 2015 facilities improvement bond. Funding to install the system at the elementary level will likely be included in the 2021 bond.