Security vestibules: Keeping schools safe

    In Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS), the safe environment of every school begins with its entrance through the security vestibule. Security vestibules give administrators control over who has access to the school's interior. They also serve as a single-entry point for students late to school or returning to school after an appointment. Vestibules provide an essential line of defense, helping administrators keep track of who is coming and going and underscores the importance of a single point of entry--and exit--at the school.

     The 2024-25 school year marks year three of the full implementation of the Raptor system. Raptor enables each school building to screen all adult visitors against the National Sex Offender Registry and establishes a consistent sign-in process across the district.  

What happens when an adult visitor visits a GCPS school?

     During school hours, the entrance for visitors is restricted to designated doors near the office, which are locked until the visitor is granted access. To notify school staff of their arrival, visitors push the "bell" button on the visitor management panel found outside the main entrance door. A staff member at the school then uses the audio/visual intercom to see the visitor's face and to request a reason for the visit. Once their purpose is validated, the office staff electronically unlocks the exterior door, allowing the visitor to proceed into the vestibule.

     At this point, adult visitors will go through a check-in process, entering their driver's license or a state-issued ID into a scanner. The scanner compares the information on the visitor's ID to a national sex offender database. If a visitor does not have a U.S. government-issued ID, the school staff member can use any form of identification and manually enter the person's name into the system. The system will check if the visitor's name and date of birth are on a national database of registered sex offenders. The registered sex offender database is the only official database checked by the Raptor system. 

     If a match is found, school administrators will be notified. If the person is cleared, they are issued a detailed visitor badge that identifies the visitor, the date, and the purpose of their visit. (A visitor's badge will not be necessary for those who visit our schools to drop off an item in the office or pick up paperwork.) Once the badge is issued, visitors will be "buzzed" into the school. Badges must be worn and visible at all times.

For more information about safety and security in GCPS, please visit the Student Safety and Wellness webpage.