School Resource Officer's Desk Reference

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Legal Justification Required for Student Searches

 
Investigative Activity Legal Justification required for Search Level of Intrusion Student's Privacy
1. Search of abandoned property in plain view
 
None No intrusion
2. Search of property in plain view that student has denied owning
 
None No intrusion
3. "Canine sniff" by trained drug-sniffing dog (within limits)
 
None No intrusion
4. Administrative searches using metal detectors
 
None Minimal intrusion
5. Random drug test as prerequisite for extracurricular activities
 
None Minimal intrusion
6. Search of student's property (backpack, car)
 
Reasonable suspicion Significant intrusion
7. Pat-down search of student for weapon
 
Reasonable suspicion Significant intrusion
8. Full frisk of student for weapons
 
Reasonable suspicion
 
Significant intrusion
9. Strip search of student
 
Probable cause Extreme intrusion

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