School Resource Officer's Desk Reference

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Model Policy and Procedures (cont)


II. Procedures (cont)


     3. When an SRO needs to question a student who is a witness or a suspect,
         the SRO should conduct the interview with the cooperation of and in the
         presence of a school official. In an emergency, the SRO may conduct the
         interview without the presence of a school official.

     4. For an SRO to physically search a student, existing rules of criminal
         procedure apply, e.g., reasonable suspicion or probable cause. In the event
         a school official initiates a search, the SRO may assist with the search to
         protect the safety of the school official.

     5. When an SRO takes a student into custody, normal agency arrest
         procedures shall be followed. The SRO shall ensure that parental notification
         is made for any student arrested who is under the age of 18.

H. Transportation of Students
     1. SROs shall not transport students in their official vehicle unless:
         a. They are under arrest;
         b. They are victim of a crime;
         c. They are truant and being returned to school
     2. SROs are to follow existing agency policies when transporting a student.

The procedures described above are a generic model for use as a guide by law enforcement agencies in preparing an SRO procedure for their agency. State law and school district policies should be reviewed to ensure that specific details are not in conflict.

 

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