RAPID CITY, S.D. – Rapid City Area Schools (RCAS) launched a new districtwide visitor management system today, requiring all guests venturing beyond a school’s main office to undergo enhanced security screening.

Under the new procedure using Raptor VisitorSafe, visitors entering school grounds must present a valid photo ID and complete a check-in process.

The system verifies visitor identities and screens individuals against registered sex offender databases, terrorist watch lists, protection orders, and court orders. Guests only conducting business inside the main office do not require screening, and standard student pickup procedures remain unchanged.

“School safety is about creating layers of protection while still making our schools welcoming places for our families and community,” said Matt Sargent, RCAS School Safety Manager. “Raptor VisitorSafe gives our staff another tool to know who is in our buildings, verify visitors, and respond more effectively if an emergency occurs.”

In addition to identity verification, the VisitorSafe platform introduces wearable safety badges for visitors, volunteers, and contractors. These badges offer location updates every 30 to 60 seconds, maintaining on-campus accountability and enabling guests to request help directly during an emergency.

Frequent visitors can also utilize a secure digital “Raptor Passport” via mobile app for faster future authentication.