All contact between the school and the police department on matters involving students shall be made through the school's administrative office.
Law enforcement authorities should only be allowed to conduct an interview in the school if they can show that special circumstances exist or if the interview is at the request of the school. This determination should be made by the school administrator or Superintendent in conjunction with the law enforcement officer(s).
A. If the police have a warrant for the student’s arrest, they must be permitted to arrest the student; however, whenever possible, the arrest should be conducted in the principal’s office out of view of other students.
B. Law enforcement personnel should not be allowed to roam about the school until the student is found. They should remain in the administration office while school personnel seek out the student;
C. If possible, the educational program of the student should not be disrupted to allow for police questioning;
D. Any questioning by police should be conducted in a private room or area where confidentiality can be maintained;
E. If law enforcement officials are to be allowed to question a student under the age of eighteen (18), the school shall notify the parents if a student has been or may be questioned by law enforcement, except in cases of suspected child abuse or child neglect involving the parent or the notification of the parent would impede an ongoing, open investigation. School administration will consult with law enforcement to determine if parent notification would impede an ongoing, open investigation. The parents should be given the opportunity to come to the school prior to the questioning;
F. If the parents are notified and able to attend, they should be allowed to request law enforcement that they be present at the interview. If the parents are unable to attend, the administrator should request law enforcement to be present at the interview but should not take part in any questioning. The administrator should at all times remain a neutral observer.
Adopted on: 08/21/2003
Revised on: 10/19/2023