Crime & Safety

Poll: Schools and K-9 Sweeps

What do you think about the "code red" lock down at Woodland High School that had students and parents on edge?

Looking for drugs, guns and illegal items, police yesterday used drug- and powder-sniffing dogs to sweep two schools, but it was a move that upset some students and parents.

Searches took place at and South Central Middle School and involved K-9s and officers representing a number of area law enforcement agencies, reported.

Woodland officials and police told the newspaper the exercise served as "code red" lock down practice, a deterrent and reminder of a police presence, but some parents suspected it was something more, noting the high level of alert.

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"My son has been locked in his classroom for over an hour and the teachers have no clue what is going on and police officers just ran by his classroom," the mother of a student told Cartersville Patch. "I have had two children at this school in eight years; they have never had a code red routine drill....

"When I called they made the comment, 'Unless your son has done something we need to know about;' is that a normal response?"

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Likewise, discussion on our Facebook page centered on concern that ensued following the lock down, which quickly traveled outside the school via text messages.

"Well I'm just not happy with it all. They could [have] told them it was a routine to prepare them I case something ever happened at school [and] maybe kids shouldn't have their cell phones, but at times I'm thankful they do," said Robin Brookshire Nichols in a comment. "I just know another parent texted me with a text saying gunman, so, of course, I was worried to death [and] was thankful my niece did have a phone to tell me everything was OK. I guess everyone sees it in a different way!"

While the conversation later turned to students' use of cell phones in schools, others were quick to point out the reason no one knew what was happening.

"They aren't going to tell the kids what is going on, because those that do have drugs or know others that do would alert one another via text or phone," Tracy Hubenthal Morrell said.

reported nothing illegal was found at either school, and yesterday's operation followed a similar one at prior to the holiday break.

What do you think of police and K-9s sweeping the schools? Are searches necessary for the safety of the schools and students? Or should authorities focus investigations on specific, apparent threats or illegal activity? Should searches lock down the schools with a "code red?" Tell us in the comments.


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