FILE:  JCAB-P

Cf:  JCAB, JCAB-R, JCDAE

 

PROCEDURE FOR METAL DETECTOR SEARCHES

 

 

SPECIFIC GUIDELINES

 

  1. Determine the type of search that will be conducted.  A random or a general search may be initiated depending upon various factors such a facility limitations, number of people to be searched, or number of metal detectors available.  Should a random search be conducted, care should be exercised to be sure that the selection of students to be searched shall be demonstrably according to chance.  One should be able to explain, if called upon to do so, that no bias as to gender, religion or race entered the selection process.
     

  2. Where possible, inform students of the intention to search by stating, "For the care, welfare, safety and security of the Students and staff of _______________________ School, we are conducting a search using metal detectors."
     

  3. When conducting the search, the student should extend both arms out with the palms up.
     

  4. The metal detector should be passed along the front, back, and both sides of the person being scanned without touching the body.
     

  5. Girls should extend their purses in front of them and the metal detector should be passed on both sides of the purse.  If indicated, the student is asked to empty the purse into a tray.
     

  6. Booksack searches are to be conducted in the same manner as for a purse.
     

  7. Bags, parcels or other containers being carried will be searched in the same manner as a purse, etc.

 

WHEN INDICATED BY DETECTOR ALERT

 

  1. Instruct the student to step forward individually.  If safely feasible, request the student to indicate what metal is causing the alert, and then request the student to empty all pockets and place the contents on a tray or table.  The student should be instructed to pull the pocket linings out so that the school personnel can see the empty pockets.  If the student then clears the detection process without activating the alarm, the detection process shall terminate.
     

  2. If the student cannot be safely allowed to remove the offending metal, or having been ordered to do so, fails, then the continuation of the alarm from the detector shall constitute full reasonable belief to conduct a search of the student's person sufficient to locate a weapon if one were present.  This search will be conducted according to the School Board policy manual: SEARCHES-STUDENT'S-PERSON FILE: JCAB.
     

  3. Boys should open their fold wallets for inspection by the metal detector.
     

  4. To conclude the search, thank the students for their cooperation and dismiss them.
     

  5. Any illegal objects (i.e., firearms, knives or other implements which can be used as weapons) found during the search shall be retained by the school officials and conveyed to an appropriate law enforcement official.

  

NOTE: 

          

Due to the high potential for danger, it is highly recommended, in addition to following all of the search policies of this board, that metal detector searches be conducted in the presence of a trained law enforcement officer.

 

 

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

State v. Stein, 203 Kan. 638 456 P.2d (1969)

Board minutes, 7-13-98

 

Cameron Parish School Board