School Resource Officer's Desk Reference

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Procedures for Searching Students (cont)


B. Always Watch Student’s Hands

  • If a student is suspected of having a weapon or drugs, the student may try to discard it if the opportunity arises.
     

  • This can occur from the time the student is told to accompany a school official to the office up to and including the time when the student is actually in the office and being searched.
     

  • Never allow a student to follow behind a staff member where the student cannot be observed.

C. Always Have a Witness

  • From the inception of the search until the evidence is properly secured, have another school official present as a witness.
     

  • This strengthens the case against the student and protects the searcher from charges of improper conduct.

D. Have Searcher and Witness of Same Gender as Student

  • Student searches should be conducted and witnessed by school officials of the same gender as the student.
     

  • This will protect the student’s rights and guard the searcher against charges of improper conduct.

 

 

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