Safe kids, Safe Schools

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is committed to the safety and welfare of Lee County’s students. Services are provided to students and schools by the Youth Services Division, the School Threat Enforcement Team, and the Community Response Unit.

Keeping Our Schools Safe

Youth Services Division

The Youth Services Division is comprised of 90 School Resource Officers who provide services and security to 71 schools within the unincorporated portions of Lee County. School Resource Officers are experienced Deputy Sheriffs who are assigned in schools full-time to forge relationships with students and ensure that Lee County Schools remain a safe and secure learning environment. For questions or to reach a School Resource Officer, contact the Youth Services Division at (239) 258-3200.

School Threat Enforcement Team (STET)

Sheriff Carmine Marceno created the School Threat Enforcement Team (STET) in December 2021 to address the growing issue of threats being made to schools, particularly online. STET is responsible for conducting all felony investigations at Lee County schools, school buses, and school bus stops, especially those related to school threats. Regardless of the nature of a threat, each incident is assigned to a detective to ensure no red flags are missed and appropriate action is taken in each and every case.

STET personnel are based out of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Real Time Intelligence Center, and work closely with school administrators, school resource officers, and partner agencies to investigate and respond to threats against Lee County schools, students, or teachers. STET’s Social Work Team follow’s up with students who may be in need of additional services, to ensure their needs are met and take a proactive approach to ensuring school safety. STET is also responsible for monitoring and constantly improving technology related to school safety, such as school cameras, mapping programs, and panic alert systems.

Cadets Middle School Program

The Cadet Leadership program is an after school program operated by the Sheriff’s Youth Activities Lee (SYAL) under the instruction of the School Resource Officers (SRO). It offers middle school students the opportunity to positively interact with law enforcement while amplifying their leadership and problem-solving skills. Cadets learn about the dangers of drugs, the prevention of bullying and campus violence, social media safety, dealing with peer presure, and other issues affecting today’s youth on the off-campus. Additionally, the program imparts the values of teamwork, responsibility, and integrity.

Junior Cadets Program

The Junior Cadet Leadership program is an after school elementary program geared towards 4th and 5th-grade students. Through presentations offered by first responders, it explores topics such as drowning, bus and fire safety, stranger danger, bullying, drugs, decision-making, and flag etiquette, while instilling school and community pride.

Do the Right Thing

Do you know of a child who has exhibited positive behavior and excellent decision-making? The Do the Right Thing partnership between the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Lee County School District recognizes students who have displayed good behavior, noble citizenship, and community involvement. Click below to fill out and submit the nomination form electronically. Questions should be directed to the Do the Right Thing Coordinator Tony Schall at (239) 258-3215 or tschall@sheriffleefl.org