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Maine RSU 21

Maine Regional School Unit 21

Arundel · Kennebunk · Kennebunkport

KLGA - RELATIONS WITH SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES

KLGA - RELATIONS WITH SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES

  1. Purpose
    The Regional School Unit 21 (RSU 21) Board of Directors recognizes that a collaborative partnership with the Kennebunk Police Department, the Kennebunkport Police Department, and the York County Sheriff’s Office is essential to ensuring a secure and supportive school climate.  The primary purpose of the School Resource Officer (SRO) program is to provide a proactive presence that enhances physical security, fosters positive relationships between law enforcement and students, and serves as a specialized resource for safety education and emergency preparedness.

    This policy ensures that while SROs are dedicated to the protection of the school community and the enforcement of laws, they operate in a manner that respects the educational environment and distinguishes between criminal matters and school disciplinary functions, which remain the sole responsibility of district administration.  The Board also affirms that students must feel respected, supported, and safe when interacting with law enforcement in the school setting.
     
  2. Definitions
    1. “Law Enforcement Authorities” means the local, county, state, or federal officers, including School Resource Officers (SROs), police officers, and investigators (see KLG - Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities).
    2. “Legitimate Educational Interest” is a professional need to review educational records to fulfill the specific responsibilities outlined in the SRO’s job description or the program agreement and applicable federal student privacy laws.
    3. “School Resource Officer” is a sworn police officer assigned by the local law enforcement departments to serve as the designated Law Enforcement Authority within the RSU 21 schools.
    4. “Judicial Warrant” is a warrant signed either by a state court or a federal district court judge.
       
  3. Primary Roles and Responsibilities
    In alignment with the RSU 21 mission, SROs shall focus on the following:
    1. Administrative Support:
      Assisting school staff in maintaining a safe campus environment.
    2. Law Enforcement:
      Enforcing local, state, and federal laws within the school jurisdiction.
    3. Educational Resource:
      Collaborating with educators to provide age-appropriate programs related to public safety, understanding of the law, and student well-being.
    4. Consultation:
      Serving as a resource for staff on child welfare and law enforcement issues.
    5. Student/Family Liaison:
      Assisting students and families in navigating law-related challenges to ensure a meaningful school experience.
    6. Inter-Agency Liaison:
      Acting as the primary link between RSU 21 and municipal police departments.
       
  4. Jurisdiction and Authority
    1. Disciplinary Boundaries:
      School administrators and staff retain primary responsibility for maintaining order and disciplining students for violations of Board policies and school rules.
    2. Law Enforcement Intervention:
      The Superintendent and administrators may seek SRO or municipal police assistance when a threat to safety exists or exigent emergency. Administration shall notify law enforcement if there is a reasonable suspicion of a criminal law violation.
    3. Access to Records:
      Under this policy, SROs are designated as school officials with a Legitimate Educational Interest, granting them the authority to review educational records necessary for their professional duties.
       
  5. Standards for Student Interaction
    1. Venue Restrictions:
      SROs and 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 limit or deny law enforcement access to students for non-school-related investigations.
    3. Expectations:
      The Board expects that all interactions between SRO's and students will be conducted in a fair, impartial, and non-discriminatory manner. Enforcement practices shall not disproportionately impact students based on disability, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, or other protected classes.
       
  6. Administrative Procedures and Oversight
    1. Cooperative Agreement:
      The Board authorizes the Superintendent to enter into an agreement with the local Law Enforcement Authorities on employment conditions and responsibilities.
    2. Development of Procedures:
      The Superintendent, in consultation with local law enforcement departments, shall develop administrative procedures to guide interactions.  
    3. Building-Level Procedures:
      School-level administrators may develop specific procedures regarding SRO activities, provided that they align with Board policy.
    4. Compliance and Approval:
      All procedures must remain consistent with the formal SRO Program Agreement between RSU 21 and the respective Police Departments and are subject to final Board approval.

 

Legal Reference:

20 USC 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99 

Cross References:

ACAA - Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students

KLG - Relations With Law Enforcement Authorities

KLG - R – Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities Administrative Procedure

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: 06/15/26

 

  • Section K