- WCASD
- Visitor Management System (VMS)
Visitor Management System (VMS)
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The WCASD implemented a new security system in all of our school buildings effective September 2021. Each school building is equipped with the Navigate 360 Security System. This system is a web-based software application being used in school districts around the country and in Chester County to conduct instant sex offender screenings for all visitors to our school buildings. Navigate 360 will allow our schools to electronically check all visitors against a registered sexual offender database, produce a visitor badge, and monitor visitors once inside our school buildings.
The overall goal of implementing Navigate 360 is to continue to provide additional safety measures for our students and staff.
Please know that the safety of our students is always our first priority. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me rthornton@wcasd.net or review the FAQs listed below.
Frequently Asked Questions - Navigate 360
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Introductory Information
Navigate 360 Security System is a web-based software application developed to aid educational facilities to ensure that people entering the building are legally cleared for access to areas in which contact with students will be likely or possible. Navigate 360 will allow our schools and facilities to electronically check all visitors against a registered sexual offender database, produce a visitor badge, and monitor volunteers once inside our buildings. The overall goal of implementing Navigate 360 is to better control access to all West Chester Area School District's buildings, thus providing enhanced protection for our students and staff.
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What is the Navigate 360 System?
Navigate 360 is a visitor management system that enhances school security by reading a visitor's driver's license and comparing that information to a sex offender database. Assuming no match was made, the system quickly prints a visitor badge that includes a photo, the name of the visitor, time, date, and destination. The system will alert campus administrators if a match is found.
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Why is the WCASD using this system?
The safety of our students is our highest priority. Navigate 360 will provide a consistent system to monitor visitors while keeping away people who present a danger to students and staff members.
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Who is scanned, and how does it work?
All visitors to any district building must present a valid driver's license to be scanned. The license information, including visitor name, date of birth, and photo, is compared to a database of registered sex offenders from all 50 states. If a match is found, campus administrators and law enforcement personnel can take appropriate steps to keep the campus safe.
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Besides sex offender data, is there any other data compared?
No. At this time, Navigate 360 will only compare identification information to a sex offense database. The information is not sold or shared with any outside company or organization.
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Will every visitor be scanned into the system, including WCASD employees?
WCASD employees who do not have an employee badge visible must be scanned and wear the Navigate 360 badge. Employees who have their employee badge visible have already submitted the appropriate clearances required by the Department of Education.
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Does the WCASD have the right to require visitors, even parents, to produce identification before entering the campus?
Yes. The WCASD needs to be sure who is on our campuses and why they are there, particularly if a student is involved in the visit.
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What if the person refuses to show identification?
The administrator can question the individual and explain the process. Based on the knowledge of the person and situation, the administrator can decide to allow entry or refuse access to our schools or facilities.
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What if the visitor does not have photo ID?
If the visitor does not have acceptable photo identification available, the designated staff member will contact the building principal or another designee to help assess the situation. The visitor will ultimately need to provide their identifying information such as date of birth, address, phone number, etc.
Need Help or Additional Information? Contact Rik Thornton!
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For additional Navigate 360 Security System information, please contact Security Supervisor Rik Thornton at rthornton@wcasd.net.
Rik Thornton
Public Safety Supervisor
West Chester Area School District
484-266-1009 rthornton@wcasd.net