FILE:  JCABA

Cf:  JCAB

 

SEARCHES OF STUDENT'S PERSON

 

 

Any teacher, principal, administrator, or school security guard employed by the Catahoula Parish School Board may search the person of a student or his/her personal effects when based on the attendant circumstances at the time of the search, there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the search will reveal evidence that the student has violated the law, School Board policy, or a school rule.  Such a search shall be conducted in a manner that is reasonably related to the purpose of the search and the nature of the suspected offense.  Such factors to be considered in determining the manner in which searches may be conducted are:

 

1.

Age and sex of student

2.

Behavior record of student

3.

Need for search

4.

Purpose of search

5.

Type of search

6.

Reliability of the information used to conduct search

7.

The relative importance of making the search without delay

8.

Nature and severity of problem in overall school environment

 

Random searches with a metal detector of a student or his personal effects may be conducted at any time, provided such searches are conducted without deliberate touching of the student.

 

Any search of student's person shall be done privately by a teacher, administrator, or security guard of the same sex as the student to be searched.  At least two (2) adult witnesses of the same sex as said student shall be present throughout the search.  In any such search, the removal of a student's underwear is strictly prohibited.  Detailed documentation shall be made of all searches.  If requested, notification of the search shall be sent to the parents of the student involved.

 

Search and/or seizure by official law enforcement personnel shall occur only when a written warrant has been given to the principal authorizing such search and/or seizure.

 

 

Ref:     U.S. Constitution, Amend. IV

U.S. Constitution, Amend. XIV, Sec. 1

La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ยงยง17:416, 17:416.3

Moore v. Student Affairs Committee of Troy State University, 284 F. Supp. 725 (M.D. Ala. 1970)

New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325, 105 S.Ct. 733

 

Catahoula Parish School Board