New Security Measure In Madison Schools

Courtesy of Waay 31, Huntsville, Alabama.

Madison, AL - Its been nearly one year since the shooting death of Todd Brown at Discovery Middle in Madison. In the wake of that tragedy school leaders are taking steps to protect students from future acts of violence.

As of Monday, all ten Madison city schools now have new and improved security systems. its called "lobby guard" its a visitor management system that tracks who's coming and going at the schools. Piper Moore likes the new system, she has a daughter in the second grade at Columbia Elementary school. "I think its very important for us to have this in our schools because you never know who is coming in or going" Moore said.

The lobby guard machine is a kiosk device that scans your drivers license, takes your picture then performs a background check to screen sex offenders and people with custodial issues. Columbia Elementary school principal says the new says the new system is very user friendly and will improve security. "Anything that we can have in our building to increase security is always a welcome thing" Brown said. "So we are happy the school decided to implement this at Columbia and we do think its going to work well for us".

Once a person is cleared, he or she can have access to the school. If they are not cleared, a message will be sent to school administrators and the school resource police officers. Parent Piper Moore says having the new system makes her feel more secure. "Now it does the background checks, criminal checks sex offender checks. So if there is an emergency we can see and know who is in the building" Moore said. 

State grant funds paid for the lobby guard machines. The system is one of 32 safety recommendations made by the Madison Schools Safety Task Force.