Polk County Schools To Conduct Random Weapons Checks

POLK COUNTY, FL — Polk County middle and high schools will regularly conduct random searches of students for weapons and other dangerous items beginning this fall.

"We must deploy every reasonable option to ensure our campuses are safe, and random screenings are a common deterrent used by other school districts," Superintendent Fred Heid said on the Polk County Public Schools' website.

Over the summer, the school district said it worked closely with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to train administrative staff and to ensure that all schools have the necessary resources to support this initiative.

Here are some key points about the screenings:

• ALL screenings are done randomly.
• Schools will vary the screening location on campus, the time when the screening takes place and the frequency of a screening. For instance, a school might select every fifth student who enters the main building upon arrival in the morning.
• School and district staff will conduct the screenings.
• Law enforcement will NOT conduct the screenings, but they will be present should dangerous or illegal items be found.
• Screening involves the use of a metal detector wand.
• Bags and purses are also subject to screening.
• Schools will send out an automated telephone call to let families know when a random screening was conducted on campus.
• Students cannot refuse to be screened; refusal may result in disciplinary action.

Heid said Polk County Public Schools will also use stricter penalties to deter students from making careless threats that create unnecessary fear and anxiety, as well as waste the time of school staff and law enforcement officers.

"Any student who makes such threats – whether verbal, written or posted on social media — will face stricter disciplinary action. Threats will immediately lead to suspension, and students could also face expulsion from school and placement in an alternative education program," he said.

"We must take every threat seriously — it doesn’t matter if a student is joking or simply making an outburst. Please speak with your children and reinforce that this type of behavior is unacceptable, and carries serious consequences," he continued.

PCPS said it will continue to work closely with law enforcement to investigate every incident thoroughly, which can lead to criminal charges.

Classes will begin starting on Aug. 10.