FILE: JCABA
Cf: JCAB
SEARCHES - STUDENT'S PERSON
A teacher, principal or administrator may search the person of a student when there is probable cause to believe that the student has in his/her possession weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol, stolen goods, or other materials or objects, the possession of which is a violation of the Rapides Parish School Board's policy, when he/she has articulable facts which lead him/her to a reasonable belief that the items sought will be found. Items which are specifically prohibited by law, Board policy or other regulations may be impounded. The student shall be given a receipt for any items impounded by school administrators, and parents or guardians shall be notified of any items impounded.
Whenever any search is conducted pursuant to this policy, a written record shall be made, thereof, by the person conducting and shall include the names of the persons involved, the circumstances leading to the search and the result of the search. This written and signed record shall be filed and maintained in the principal's office and a copy shall be sent to the Superintendent.
Any search of a student's person shall be done privately by a teacher or administrator of the same sex as the student to be searched. At least one witness who is an administrator or teacher, also of the same sex as the student, shall be present throughout the search.
The School Board shall indemnify and defend all employees who follow this policy and, subsequently, are involved in litigation as a result of compliance.
Revised: February, 1982
Revised: December, 1982
Ref: U.S. Constitution, Amend. IV
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)
Rapides Parish School Board