The board of trustees of this district recognizes that cooperation with law enforcement agencies is essential for the protection of students, maintenance of a safe environment in this district’s schools, and the safeguard of all district property. 

 

The district will also cooperate with other state and local public agencies insofar as those agencies’ responsibilities and duties relate to public school students.

 

 

All contact between the school and the police department on matters involving students shall be made through the administrative office. The police have ample opportunity to talk to a student away from the school and before or after school hours. They should be encouraged to do so. Law enforcement authorities should only be allowed to conduct an interview in the school if they can show that special circumstances exist or if the interview is at the request of the school. This determination should be made by the principal or Superintendent.

 

     A.     If the police have a warrant for the student’s arrest, they must be permitted to arrest the student; however,

             whenever possible, the arrest should be conducted in the principal’s office out of view of other students. Before

             removing a student from school, the police shall sign a release form in which they assume full responsibility

             for the student;

 

     B.     Law enforcement personnel should not be allowed to roam about the school until the student is found. They

             should remain in the administration office while school personnel seek out the student;

 

     C.     If possible, the educational program of the student should not be disrupted to allow for police questioning;

 

     D.     Any questioning by police should be conducted in a private room or area where confidentiality can be

             maintained;

 

     E.     If law enforcement officials are to be allowed to question a student under the age of eighteen (18), a reasonable   

             attempt shall be made to notify the parents, except in cases of suspected child abuse or child neglect involving

             the parent. The parents should be given the opportunity to come to the school prior to the questioning.

 

     F.     If the parents are notified and able to attend, they should be allowed to be present at the interview. The

             administrator should be present at the interview, but should not take part in any questioning. The administrator

             should at all times remain a neutral observer.

Idaho Attorney General Opinion No. 93-2

 

ADOPTED:   November 14, 2005