METAL DETECTOR SEARCH PROCEDURES | Administrative Guideline Manual

7440B - METAL DETECTOR SEARCH PROCEDURES

The District Administrator shall be responsible for the monitoring and enforcement of guidelines relative to metal detector search procedures. The building principal shall have the authority to request metal detector searches, and such searches shall not be conducted in the absence of such request.

The purpose of the metal detector search is to discourage students from bringing weapons into the schools. Accordingly, metal detectors may be used at all District schools and school-related functions of such schools, on a random and periodic basis.

Metal detector searches will be conducted by building principals using hand-held scanning devices.

Prior to use in conducting a metal detector search pursuant to these guidelines, each search device to be used shall be examined by a person familiar with its operation to determine if it is in proper working order. A metal detector search device shall not be used if there is any question as to whether it is in proper working order.
Each person operating a metal detector search device shall be trained in the proper use of the device and the detection of any malfunction in the operation of the instrument.
As to each individual search, the building principal will ask the student to remove all metal objects from their person and to place the metal objects and any bags, backpacks, briefcases, knapsacks, purses, or parcels on a table.
The search is directed to a search for weapons, however, other contraband discovered in the course of a metal detector search or pat down may also be removed from any student.
Property removed from the student or the student's bags or parcels, possession of which is a violation of the Code of Conduct,school rules, Board policy and Administrative guidelines, and/or the law, shall cause a student to be disciplined in accordance with the Code of Conductand may subject the student to criminal prosecution and/or juvenile proceedings for violations of law.
If a student refuses to cooperate with the search, the Building Principal is to notify the student's parent/guardian. Such students shall be subject to the Code of Conduct. Refusal shall also be grounds for immediate removal from school, facilities, and/or grounds and further discipline.
Nothing in the procedures set forth above shall limit the authority of the Board and Board employee to remove other contraband from a student, and to otherwise search a student including with the use of a handheld metal detector, when there is reasonable suspicion to believe that a particular student is in possession of an article or thing, the possession of which constitutes inappropriate behavior under the Code of Conduct.