Selection Tool for Redactions

I need to redact a large number of documents using Pro. They are a mix of type and handwritten documents. The handwritten documents in particular are an issue because the text selection tool doesn't always recognise handwriting as text - it therefore highlights odd sections of the text to redact.

Ideally I'd like to change the text selection to an area selection tool. The cursor will change from a line to a cross in certain areas of the document but not always where I want it. So, I find myself hunting around the outskirts of a line of text to try find a spot where the area selection will appear. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't.

Anyone know how to do this?

Thanks in advance