Searches of Students and Their Property

A student is subject to search by district staff if reasonable grounds exist to suspect that evidence of a violation of the law or school rules will be uncovered. School staff shall report a student's suspicious activity to the principal prior to initiating a search, except in emergency situations.

1. Establishing reasonable grounds. The following review of the basis for the search should occur before conducting a search:
1. Identify:
   1) the student's suspicious conduct, behavior or activity;
   2) the source of the information;
   3) the reliability of the source of such information.
   


2. If suspicion could be confirmed, would such conduct be a violation of the law or school rules?



3. Is the student likely to possess or have concealed any item, material or substance which is itself prohibited or which would be evidence of a violation of the law or a school rule?
2. Conducting the search. If the principal, or his/her designee, determines that reasonable grounds exist to search a student's clothing, personal effective, desk, locker, assigned storage area or automobile, the search shall be conducted as follows:
1. If evidence of criminal activity is suspected to be present, and prosecution by civil authorities will be recommended if confirmed by the search, contact law enforcement officials immediately.
2. If evidence of violation of a school rule is suspected, and if confirmed by the search will be handled as a student discipline action, proceed to search by asking the student to remove all items from pockets, purses, handbags, backpacks, gym bags, etc.
3. If the student refuses to cooperate in a personal search, the student should be held until the student's parent or guardian is available to consent to the search. If a parent or guardian cannot be reached in a reasonable time, the principal may conduct the search without the student's consent.

Adopted:
5/7/90

Revised:
8/10/98