JRS

File: JRS (pdf)
Adopted: June 11, 1987  
 

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SEARCHES

General Statement

In order to maintain order and discipline in the schools and to protect the safety and welfare of students and school personnel, school authorities may search a student, student lockers, desks or storage areas, or student automobiles under the circumstances described below and may seize any illegal, unauthorized, or contraband materials discovered in the search.

Personal Searches

A student's person and/or personal affects, such as a purse, book bag, back pack, etc., may be searched whenever a school authority has reasonable grounds for suspecting that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the rules of the school.

In such situations, the scope of the search and measures adopted must be reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the infraction.  Searches of the person of a student may include a search of the student's pockets, any object in the student's possession, or a "pat down" of the exterior of the student's clothing.  Searches of the person of a student which require removal of clothing other than a coat, jacket, or equivalent exterior clothing shall not be conducted by school personnel.  If necessary, such searches shall be referred to and conducted by law enforcement officers.

Except in situations presenting a significant risk to the safety or welfare of students or school personnel, or property, personal searches of a student shall be conducted in a private room by a person of the same sex as the student and witnessed by another person of the same sex as the student.

Locker/Desk/Storage Area Searches

All lockers, desks, storage, and similar areas provided for student use on school premises are school property and remain at all times under the control of the school.  Student use of such areas is subject to the right of school authorities to open or enter into the same and inspect the contents for any reason at any time without notice or student consent.

No student shall lock or impede access to any locker or storage area except with a lock provided or approved by school authorities.  Unapproved locks or impediments will be removed and destroyed.  Students assume full responsibility for the security of their lockers and storage areas and any loss of or damage to the contents therein.

Automobile Searches

Students are permitted to park on school premises as a matter of privilege, not of right.  The school retains authority to conduct routine patrols of student parking lots and inspections of the exteriors of student automobiles on school property.  The interiors of student vehicles may be inspected whenever a school authority has reasonable grounds for suspecting that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or rules of the school.  Such patrols and inspections may be conducted without notice or student consent.

Review of Complaints

Any complaints arising under this policy may be submitted for review under the provisions of Policy KE, Public Complaints.

CROSS REF.: KE, Public Complaints

End of File: JRS