5540 - RELATIONSHIP WITH GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES

On occasion, principals will need assistance from law enforcement but should avoid unnecessary and inappropriate law enforcement involvement. Principals are expected to be proactive in calling law enforcement when necessary, and not to leave the decision to the discretion of other staff members, except by delegation in their temporary absence. The situations listed below are examples of situations in which it is appropriate to call law enforcement. The District Administrator should be advised of any such situation as soon as feasible.

1. refusal of a person to leave school property after being requested to do so by the appropriate school authority;
2. willful destruction of school property--particularly if the District is likely to seek restitution;
3. theft--particularly if items are of value and insurance claims will be filed;
4. obvious crime;
5. arson;
6. assaults or serious fighting--if not controlled or if serious injury results;
7. forgery--if assistance is needed in determining whether it is forgery;
8. possession of a dangerous weapon;
9. possession of alcohol or drugs;
10. sale or distribution of controlled substances;
11. blackmail, threatening, or extortion of students or staff members;
12. bona fide threat against a person's life or threats of terrorist acts, bomb scares, etc.;
13. illegal or inappropriate operation of a motor vehicle;
14. child abuse or molestation;
15. mass walkout from or sit-in on school property--if not controlled or if property damage or personal injury result;
16. setting off firecrackers, pulling fire alarms and similar behaviors;
17. a student leaving school property without permission, a missing person situation, or a self-inflicted injury by a student.

Interview Procedures

School officials stand in loco parentis(in place of the parent) in respect to the child. This will require the Administrator to strive to maintain a standard of care and concern similar to that of a parent.

1. All attempts to notify the parent(s) should be documented according to District procedures.
2. Law enforcement and other governmental authorities should investigate alleged law violations off of school property if at all possible. The investigation can take place immediately on school property, at the request of the principal, if the alleged law violation took place on school property or at a school-related event.
3. When law enforcement or other governmental authorities arrive at the school and wish to interview a student or investigate an alleged law violation, they will contact the principal indicating the nature of their investigation and their desire to question a student or students. Access will be granted consistent with Policy 5540 - The Schools and Governmental Agencies or Policy 5540.01 - Investigations Involving Suspected Child Abuse.
4. If the principal concurs that the questioning is appropriate, s/he will send for the student, move him/her to an unoccupied room and, if appropriate and a parent is not present, remain in the room during the questioning. If the situation involves suspected child abuse or an emergency requiring prompt action, notification of parents will be determined by the investigator (see also the investigation procedure in AG 8462 – Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse or Neglect and Threats of Violence).
5. Should a student be taken into custody or removed from the school premises by law enforcement, the principal shall attempt to notify the student's parents as soon as practicable.

T.C. 5/20/24

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