Approved: November 13, 2006
Revised: June 27, 2018
Revised: October 9, 2019
CONDUCTING STUDENT-LAW ENFORCEMENT INTERVIEWS ON SCHOOL PREMISES
ADMINISTRATIVE RULE
- Types of Interviews:
- A student victim interview is an interview with a student who is a victim of a crime, including abuse or neglect.
- A student witness interview is an interview with a student who is thought to have some information that would be helpful to officials in investigating some crime or other offense.
- A student suspect interview is an interview with a student who is suspected of some violation of the law or some other offense.
- General Requirements Regarding Student-Law Enforcement Officer Interviews:
- Law enforcement officers should make every reasonable attempt to interview students outside of the school setting except in cases where the school has requested law enforcement assistance, in emergencies, or as specifically required by law.
- All student interviews by law enforcement officers on school premises shall be conducted in such a way as to minimize school disruptions. All student interviews will follow the guidelines listed:
- Interviews shall be coordinated with the student's schedule if at all possible.
- Interviews shall not be allowed during an exam except in an emergency.
- The principal or their designee will summon the student from their class, unless the law enforcement agency and school administration feel the situation warrants personal contact with the law enforcement officer and the interview will be conducted in an office setting to promote confidentiality.
- Every effort shall be made to notify parent(s)/guardian(s) when law enforcement wishes to interview their child, except when they are investigating allegations due to mandated reporting obligations.
- The building principal or appropriate school designee shall be present during the law enforcement officer interview as determined appropriate by the building principal/designee and consistent with law enforcement agency standards.
- School officials shall attempt to notify a student's parent/guardian prior to law enforcement officers conducting a student suspect interview. A student suspect interview may be conducted if attempts to reach the parent/guardian are unsuccessful if an emergency exists as determined by the building principal/designee and the law enforcement. Emergency situations are defined as:
- a delay may result in flight of a suspect;
- destruction of evidence;
- opportunity to cover up a crime;
- or an unacceptable threat to the community.
Local Ref: Policy #445 – Student Interviews with Law Enforcement Officers
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