SFSD is implementing new visitor screening technology to improve school safety

SIOUX FALLS, SD (Dakota News Now) – The Sioux Falls School District is stepping up efforts to improve school security with new visitor screening technology.

According to a news release, the district has partnered with Wisconsin-based Singlewire Software to implement the company’s software Visitor management software inside 38 school buildings in the district. The system allows the district to establish a standard check-in procedure for all visitors and identify potential problems before they can fully gain access to the school.

“Over the years, we have found that the ability to monitor people entering and exiting our school buildings allows us to provide the safest environment possible for our students and staff,” said Dave Osterquist, safety coordinator for the Sioux Falls School District. “Visitor Aware allows our district to understand who we allow into our schools and intervene when potential threats arise.”

Visitor Aware uses ID scanning and encrypted facial recognition to screen visitors and volunteers against sex offender databases, government watch lists and active legal orders. Issues are flagged so staff can identify potential hazards, and approved visitors receive a printed badge confirming they are allowed in the building.

“As new threats emerge, it is becoming increasingly clear that school security starts at the front door,” said Terry Swanson, president and CEO of Singlewire Software. “Visitor Aware provides districts like Sioux Falls with a reliable and easy way to screen visitors, confirm their identity, and ensure that they are only allowing people who have permission to be in school buildings to enter school buildings.”

More than 150 schools and districts across the country use Visitor Aware to screen visitors, according to the release.