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Dodge City Public Schools

JCAB Searches of Property Including the Use of Metal Detectors and Searches of Students

JCAB Searches of Property Including the Use of Metal Detectors and Searches of Students

JCAB  

Searches of Property Including the Use of Metal Detectors and Searches of Students 

Principals are authorized to search property if there is reasonable suspicion that district policies, rules, or directives are being violated. In addition all lockers shall be subject to random searches without prior notice or reasonable suspicion. All searches by the principal shall be carried out in the presence of another adult witness.  

Whenever the principal is mentioned in this policy, it shall be construed to include the superintendent “or designated representative.”  

Search of Lockers 
Lockers in the district schools shall be under supervision of the principal. Students shall have no expectation of privacy in any school locker. 

The combinations and/or keys to all locker locks shall be in the possession of the principal and stored in a place designed to guard against unauthorized access or use. The principal may search any locker at any time without notice. Students shall not place locks, other than those approved by the school, on any locker. 

Searches of Property 
Any person other than the principal who wishes to search a student’s locker or property shall report to the  principal before proceeding. In no event shall any person be permitted to search a student’s locker or property without the principal’s consent unless the person has a valid search warrant authorizing a search.  

If a law enforcement officer desiring to search a student’s locker or property has a search warrant, the principal shall permit the search which shall be made in the presence of the principal. Prohibited items found during the search shall remain in the custody of either the building principal or the law enforcement officer. If any items are turned over to law enforcement officials the principal shall receive a receipt for the items.  

Use of Trained Dogs in Conducting Sweeps 
At the request of the principal or on a schedule agreed upon by the service provider and the principal, law enforcement officers or licensed private agencies contracting with the school for such service, may use trained  dogs on school premises to identify student property which may contain illegal or illicit materials and to  determine whether materials, such as drugs, weapons, or other materials which may threaten the general  health, welfare, and safety of the students and/or staff are present in the district parking lot, hallways, lockers, classrooms, and/or locker rooms. Students will never be sniffed by the dogs used to conduct the sweeps.  

USD 443 Regulation  
School Safety and Security Policy: Use of Metal Detectors and Searches of Students

Purpose: The purpose of using the metal detectors is to prevent and deter weapons from entering our schools  and school-sponsored events. The safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors are top priorities for USD443. This policy outlines the procedures for the use of metal detectors and the search of students, balancing the need for a secure environment with respect for individual rights. 

Scope: This policy applies to all students, staff, visitors, and individuals entering the premises of USD 443. It covers the use of metal detectors, searches, and situations requiring the involvement of law enforcement.

Use of Metal Detectors 

  1. Implementation: Metal detectors may be used at school entrances and school-sponsored events to ensure safety. These screenings may be random or based on specific security concerns. 
  2. Screening Process: Individuals entering the school or event venues may be required to pass through a metal detector. Refusal to comply may result in denial of entry. 
  3. Parent Notification: Parental notification will not be required for metal detector screenings or searches as these are considered routine safety measures. 
  4. Follow-up Actions: If a prohibited item is detected, further investigation and appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken, including the possible involvement of law enforcement. Parents will be notified if  a prohibited item is found. 
  5. Refusal to be Screened: If a parent or visitor refuses to go through the security screening, they will be denied access to the facility. 

Searches of Students 

  1. Authorization to Search: Principals (or their designated representatives) are authorized to search individuals when there is reasonable suspicion that district policies, rules, or directives are being violated. 
  2. Procedure for Searches: 
    1. The individual shall be informed of the reason for the search. 
    2. Individuals may be asked to empty items such as pockets, purses, shoulder bags, backpacks, and briefcases. 
    3. Searches will be conducted in the presence of another adult witness. 
  3. Strip searches shall not be conducted by school authorities under any circumstances.
  4. Parental Notification and Law Enforcement: 
    1. If prohibited items are found, the principal shall attempt to contact the student’s parents immediately after a search is conducted. 
    2. If illegal items are found, law enforcement may be called. Any items connected to illegal activities shall remain in the custody of the principal unless turned over to law enforcement. 
    3. If a student refuses to cooperate with a search, the principal may impose disciplinary actions and/or seek law enforcement assistance. 
  5. Involvement of Law Enforcement: 
    1. If law enforcement assistance is requested, further searches will be conducted in cooperation with law enforcement officials. 
    2. The principal shall remain with the student and be present during any search conducted by law enforcement. 
  6. A receipt shall be issued for any items turned over to law enforcement officials. 
  7. Threats to Safety: 
    1. If the principal believes an individual is in possession of an item that poses a danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the individual or others, the individual may be removed to a safe location until the situation is resolved. 
    2. This determination may be based on information from staff or other sources. 
  8. Documentation: 
    1. Written documentation of a search must be maintained by the principal, including details of the search if any restricted items are found. 

Conclusion: This combined policy ensures that the school district can maintain a safe environment while respecting individual rights. Metal detectors and searches are tools to protect the school community from dangerous or prohibited items, with procedures in place to ensure fairness and transparency. Metal detector screenings are considered a routine part of security, and parental notification is not required for these measures. 

USD 443 Security Screening Protocols 

The purpose of the security screening system is to detect weapons such as guns, explosives and large knives. 

Hours of Use

  • When students and visitors are allowed into the building during normal business hours. 
  • Special events at the discretion of the building administrator.
  • If an individual cites a medical reason that they cannot pass through the Security Screening System, a hand-held metal detection device will be used. 
  • If an individual refuses to be scanned, an administrator or SRO should be contacted for assistance. The individual will not be allowed entry into the building. 

Staffing

  • All entrances should be monitored by a staff member where anyone other than USD 443 staff is allowed  to enter the building. 
  • At entrances where Security Screening Systems are deployed, it is recommended that at least two staff  members are assigned. 
  • Administration should ensure that adequate staffing is present and radios are provided for staff at these positions. 

Alerts

  • If the Security Screening System indicates red or provides an audible alert, the person who triggered the alert should advance to a secondary screening area. 
  • At the secondary screening area, the individual will place their backpack and any items they may be carrying on the table for an additional search. 
  • A hand-held metal detection wand may be used as a secondary scan of the person. 
  • If an item of concern is located, the item should be secured by staff and administration and/or an SRO should be contacted for assistance. 
  • If the individual who triggered the alert refuses to cooperate in any way, administration and/or an SRO should be contacted for assistance. 
  • If an item of concern has been located (if it is a policy violation), it should be handled by an administrator or designee. If it is a criminal violation, the SRO or appropriate law enforcement agency should be contacted and appropriate documentation should be recorded. 

Charging/Testing

  • School administration should assign staff to routinely charge and test every Security Screening System assigned to the school 
  • School administration should assign staff to routinely test and provide batteries for every hand-held metal detection wand assigned to the school. 
  • Check battery status daily and assign a secondary person to perform this function if the primary person is absent.

Phone App

  • School administration should assign staff who will use the OPENGATE app to monitor every Security Screening System assigned to the school. 
  • Multiple staff should be assigned access to the phone app. 

Wands

  • A hand-held metal detection wand shall be located at each entrance where a Security Screening System is deployed. 

Students With Disabilities

  • Accommodations may be made for students with disabilities. 

Policy Reference: JCABB

Adoption Date: 02/08/1999, Revised: 06/08/2009; 04/13/2015; 09/23/2024