Informing the Parent or Guardian When a Student Has Been Removed from School by a Police Officer
While it is the duty of the police officer to notify the parent or guardian of the person taken into custody or placed in detention, the school Principal shall take immediate steps to notify the parent or guardian of the minor regarding the release of the student to the officer and regarding the place to which the student is reportedly being taken, except when a student has been taken into custody as a victim of suspected child abuse. The Principal shall provide the police officer with the address and telephone number of the student’s parent or guardian.
Even in the case of child abuse it is the Child Protective Agency’s duty to notify the parent or guardian, but the Principal should obtain the following information:
● The name of the police officer or Child Protective Agency representative
● The telephone number of the police station
● The officer’s badge or ID number
● Instructions from the officer regarding parental inquiries concerning the whereabouts of the student
● 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. It is the policy of the Archdiocese that an
adult, school staff person will be present for any interview unless the student selects otherwise.
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 26
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.
