CHAPTER 5.00 - STUDENTS

5.11 Student Detention, Search, And Seizure

(1) Any instructional or administrative staff member shall be authorized to temporarily detain and question a student under circumstances which reasonably indicate that such student has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a violation of Florida Statutes or School Board rules. No student shall be temporarily detained longer than is reasonably necessary. Such temporary detention shall not extend beyond the place where it was first effected or the immediate vicinity thereof.

(2) If, at any time after the onset of the temporary detention, a reasonable suspicion arises that the detained student is concealing or has concealed stolen or illegal property or contraband on his/her person, or within his/her locker or other student storage space, an administrative staff member may search the personal property of a temporarily detained student or his/her locker or other storage space for the purpose of disclosing the presence of suspected stolen or illegal property.

(3) Stolen or illegal property which is seized during a search of the personal property of the student or his/her locker or other student storage space shall be given to law enforcement authorities, when appropriate.

(4) Each principal shall place a sign which is clearly visible to students and in a prominent location(s) within the school. The sign shall contain the following text:

Notice to Students

School authorities may search student lockers or other areas when reasonable suspicion that a prohibited or illegally

possessed substance or object is contained within the area. Pursuant to Florida Statute.

(5) The following provisions shall apply to canine searches/screening for illegal substances:

(a) Canine sniffers shall be used primarily for school purposes to bring disciplinary action against students who are found in possession of illegal substances.

(b) Parents, students, School Board employees, and the public shall be informed that public school campuses, including, but not limited to, buildings, parking areas, athletic and recreational areas, and lockers are School Board property and no one using said property, whether as a student or in any other capacity, has the expectation of privacy in or around said property.

(c) Students shall be informed that automobiles, trucks, vans, or other transportation means located or operated on School Board property is a privilege granted by the School Board and students whose vehicles are so located shall not have any expectation of privacy in or around said vehicles.

(d) The Superintendent or designee shall determine at what times and in which schools the canine sniffers shall be utilized. The school principal or designee shall be notified each time the canine sniffers are brought on campus.

1. The canine sniffers shall be controlled and directed at all times by qualified handlers from the Sheriff’s Department or local police departments.

2. Searches shall be conducted at the qualified handler’s direction in cooperation with the School Board’s administrative personnel.

3. School Board administrative personnel shall be responsible for necessary parental notification, student disciplinary action, student due process, and public relations related to such searches.

4. Custody, analysis, and disposal of the illegal substance shall be the responsibility of law enforcement.

(6) Delinquent acts and crimes occurring wherever and whenever students are under the jurisdiction of the School Board shall be reported to law enforcement.

Statutory Authority: 1001.41; 1001.42, F.S.

Laws Implemented:1001.43; 1003.31; 1006.7; 1006.09(09); 1006.13, F.S.

History:

Adopted: January 14, 1999

Revision Date(s): October 7, 2003

Formerly: