Interview of a Student During School Hours by a Police Officer
Upon presentation of proper identification to the Principal or his or her designee, duly authorized representatives of law enforcement agencies and the child protective agencies in the performance of their official duties shall be allowed to interview students in those cases in which an interview out of school hours is impossible, impractical or would duly interfere with the enforcement of law.
Although the law does not require it, the parent or guardian should be informed by the Principal that such an interview has taken place, except upon request of law enforcement.
Before releasing the student for the interview, the Principal must exercise the “proper standard of care” which is to:
● Obtain a business card and confirm the identity and official capacity of the police officer and the authority under
which he or she acts
● In the case of the release of the student to the officer, the reason for such an action
Child Protective Agency workers may interview for the purpose of their legal obligations to investigate reported child abuse or neglect. Child Protective Agency workers are authorized to assume custody to remove a child from school.
Before a student is taken into police custody and removed from the school during school hours, the school will attempt to inform the student’s parent or guardian. The school will maintain a record of the circumstances involved. In cases of child abuse, parental notification is the responsibility of police officers.
