KLG - RELATIONS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES

KLG - RELATIONS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES

1. Purpose
   The Regional School Unit 21 (RSU 21) Board recognizes that a cooperative relationship with Law Enforcement Authorities is essential for the protection of students and staff, the maintenance of a safe school environment, and the safeguarding of school property.  Such cooperation must also respect the rights of students and families, while minimizing disruption to the educational program.
    
2. Definitions
   1. “Law Enforcement Authorities” means the local, county, state, or federal officers, including School Resource Officers (SROs), police officers, and investigators (see KLGA - Relations with School Resource Officers and Law Enforcement Authorities).
   2. “School-Related Investigation” means an investigation into activities that occur on school grounds, during school-sponsored transportation, at school-sanctioned events, or activities that significantly disrupt the educational environment.
   3. “Non-School-Related Investigation” is an investigation into activities occurring outside the school’s jurisdiction that do not involve school property, personnel, or students in their capacity as RSU 21 students.
   4. “Substantial Threat” means a situation where there is a reasonable belief that the safety or welfare of students, staff, or the school community is at immediate or serious risk.
   5. “Judicial Warrant” is a warrant signed either by a state court or a federal district court judge.
3. Authority and Responsibility
   1. District and School Administration:
      The District is responsible for implementing Board policies and school rules.  
   2. Law Enforcement Assistance:
      The Board authorizes the Superintendent and administration to seek the assistance of law enforcement when there is a Substantial Threat to the welfare and safety of the schools, students, and/or staff. The administration shall also inform law enforcement when they have reason to suspect a violation of local, state, or federal law.
4. Standards for School Access
   1. Venue Restrictions:
      Law Enforcement Authorities should avoid using school grounds to arrest or question students regarding non-school-related matters unless in exigent circumstances.  For non-school related matters, Law Enforcement Authorities must present a lawfully issued Judicial Warrant.
   2. Administrative Veto:
      The Superintendent and administrators retain the authority to deny law enforcement access to students for Non-School-Related Investigations.
5. Administrative Procedures and Oversight
   1. Development of Guidelines:
      The Superintendent and administration shall work with local law enforcement to develop procedures guiding interactions. These procedures must:
      1. Safeguard the rights of students and parents.
      2. Be consistent with Board policies.
      3. Minimize disruptions to the instructional program.
   2. Board Approval:
      These administrative procedures (KLG - R) are subject to the approval of the Board.
6. Collaborative Planning and Programming
   1. Crisis Response:
      The Superintendent shall include Law Enforcement Authorities in the development and implementation of the school unit’s crisis response plan.
   2. Safety Instruction:
      The Board encourages the Superintendent and administration to include law enforcement in the development and implementation of instructional programs or activities related to student safety.

Legal References:
20 USC 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99
 

Cross References:

KLG - R – Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities Administrative Procedure

KLGA - Relations with School Resource Officers and Law Enforcement Authorities

KLGA - R - School Resource Officer/Law Enforcement Administrative Procedure

EBCA – Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan

JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety

JIH –  Questioning and Searches of Students

JRA – Student Records

Adopted: 09/10/01

Reviewed: 06/21/10

Revised: 03/04/13

Adopted: 06/15/26