Random Police Searches Coming To Richmond County Schools

Augusta, GA—These are all the items that a parent would not expect a student to bring to school. A knife, drugs, a weapon and even alcohol. But this year, officers with the Richmond County Board of Education Public Safety Department hope to change that.

Lieutenant Richard Roundtree, Richmond County Board of Education Public Safety Department: “Our goal is to promote voluntary compliance. We want to let the kids know that we are having a safe environment within the school system.”

The Public Safety Department is working with faculty and staff to have random searches before, during, and after school. In the past, Josey High School has had its share of problems with weapons on campus. The principal says that has all changed recently. He says these new random searches can be used as an education tool.
Dr. Ronald Wiggins, Principal, Josey High School: “It gives them a talking point in class. If students do have questions about school safety, it can give them a chance to actually counsel those students into making better decisions.”

Lt. Roundtree says the department is also working on getting money for better technology.

Lt. Richard Roundtree: “We are installing cameras in all of our schools, we will get them better trained, better equipment, we are also equipping our officers to work to have body cameras to record different events to help cut down on complaints are some of the activities that we have had in the past.”

Educators say these searches will give students and faculty a better sense of security.