5540A - RELATIONSHIP WITH GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES
On occasion, principals will need police assistance but should avoid unnecessary and inappropriate police involvement. They are expected to be proactive in calling the police 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 the police, and their support should be expected. The Superintendent should be advised of any such situation as soon as feasible.
refusal of a person to leave school property after being requested to do so by the appropriate school authority
willful destruction of school property--particularly if the Corporation is likely to seek restitution
theft--particularly if items are of value and insurance claims will be filed
obvious crime
arson
assaults or serious fighting--if not controlled or if serious injury results
forgery--if assistance is needed in determining whether it is forgery
possession of a dangerous weapon
possession of alcohol or drugs
sale or distribution of controlled substances
blackmail, threatening, or extortion of students or staff members
bona fide threat against a person's life or threats of terrorist acts, bomb scares, etc.
illegal or inappropriate operation of a motor vehicle
child abuse or molestation
mass walkout from or sit-in on school property--if not controlled or if property damage or personal injury result
setting off firecrackers, pulling fire alarms and similar mischief (discretionary, but advised if recurring or the situation is getting out of hand)
a student leaving school property without permission, a missing person situation, or a self-inflicted injury by a student
Interrogation Procedures
School officials stand in loco parentis (in place of the parent) in respect to the child. This requires the school official to protect, to the best of his/her ability, the due process rights of the student. This will require the administrator to divorce himself/herself from his/her role of enforcer of discipline in the school, a very difficult task, but one that needs to be performed.
All attempts to notify the parents should be diligently documented.
Police and other 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.
When police or other 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.
The principal will send for the student, if applicable, and move him/her to an unoccupied room during the questioning. If the situation involves an alleged law violation or child abuse, the parents are to be contacted before any questioning takes place. If the situation involves suspected child abuse, parents will be notified before any questioning takes place and the principal will be present during the questioning unless the authorities determine this should not happen.
Should a student be taken into custody or removed from the school premises by authorities, the principal must make every effort to notify the student's parents at the earliest possible moment after the removal, except in situations in which notification is not advised by the authorities involved.