What Is the Vsoft System?

MIDLAND ISD Visitor Tracking System Frequently Asked Questions

What is the vSoft system? vSoft is a visitor tracking system that enhances school security by reading visitor drivers’ licenses, comparing information to a sex offender database, alerting campus administrators if a match is found, then (assuming no match was made) printing a visitor badge that includes a photo.

How does it work? Drivers’ license information is compared to a data base that consists of registered sex offenders from 49 states. If a match is found, the operator of the program will get an alert of a possible match so that campus administrators and law enforcement personnel can take steps to keep the campus safe.

Why is our district using this system? Safety of our students is our highest priority. vSoft will provide a consistent system to track visitors and volunteers while keeping away people who present a danger to students and staff members.

What other information is the school taking from drivers’ licenses? vSoft is ONLY scanning the visitor’s name, date of birth and photo for comparison with a national database of registered sex offenders. MISD will not gather any additional visitor data and will not share data with any outside company or organization. vSoft does not check criminal history background information.

Should we scan every visitor into the system, including district employees? Yes, the vSoft system is designed for tracking visitors. In case of an emergency, visitors can be viewed in a queue if they are still on campus. This will aid police in further investigations

Do we have the right to require visitors, even parents, to produce identification before entering the campus? Yes. You need to be sure of who is on your campus and why they are there.

What if the person refuses or is unable to show identification?

October 2007 Contact the campus administrator immediately. The administrator can question the individual and explain the process to them. The administrator, based on this knowledge of the person and situation, can make a determination to allow or refuse access. If visitors without identification are allowed access, they will be confined to the office area for the duration of the visit. Do I scan police officers, firemen and other uniformed or similar governmental officials into the system? To have full accountability for everyone that enters the campus, it is a good idea to scan police officers, firemen and other uniformed governmental officials.

If an “alert” comes back indicating that the person just scanned is a sexual predator or offender, do I have reason to fear? No. Many sexual predators/offenders are going to be relatives of one of your students. Normal caution should always be followed and paying attention to the individual’s demeanor, body language and verbal cues is, as in any situation, the key to your personal safety. If in doubt, always summon help immediately. Behave calmly and normally and ask this individual to take a seat as his request to enter the campus is under review. Let a police officer and/or campus administrator handle the situation.

Do we have to give listed sexual offenders and predators access to our school? In the event an identified parent or legal guardian of a student is listed on the database, he/she will only be permitted onto the campus for medical emergencies. Any meetings with teachers or staff must be scheduled outside of school hours or at central office. Any child to be picked up by an offender parent or guardian will take place curbside. A staff member will escort the child to the pick up point.

2  The Midland ISD police department will be contacted to determine if this person is prohibited from contact with children.

 Registered sex offenders will not be permitted to mingle with students or walk through the school.

Each visitor must provide

identification at each visit.

Access will be denied if

proper identification is not

provided.