Body scanners at Lee County campuses providing extra security

Body scanners are randomly popping up on Lee County campuses to keep students safe.

The random searches are a partnership between the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the school district. A picture given to WINK News by a parent shows LCSO deputies stopping students at the door to search their belongings.

Jeremiah Strunk’s son is a freshman on campus, and he didn’t like what he saw.

“If there’s nothing going on, they don’t. They shouldn’t have a right to search,” Strunk said.

There is a notice posted outside campus advising students and parents authorities could search personal property if there is reasonable suspicion.

Strunk understands that given the number of mass shootings in schools, but worries schools are starting to trample on students’ rights.

“I’m open to ideas for protecting the schools and stuff. I think that some of its going a little overboard, and a little overkill,” Strunk said.

In a letter to parents, principal Angela Roles confirmed LCSO had a body scanner onsite to conduct random weapons checks.

Which parents like Nikkie Roe feel was long overdue.

“I’m coming from the Midwest where they were doing that already, so I was actually kind of surprised. I felt like it was a little behind here. So I mean, I think it’s a good thing, you know, just to make sure everybody stays safe,” Roe said.

The school district told WINK News the vast majority of feedback has been positive and parents should expect more random searches in the weeks to come.