Student Searches

STUDENT SEARCHES

Sigsbee Charter School personnel are authorized under Florida statute (Title XLVIII, Chapter 1006.09) and case law to search a student’s person, belongings, locker, and other items related to the educational environment. School personnel must have reasonable suspicion that the search will result in evidence that the student has violated the law or the school or district Code of Student Conduct. Neither student nor parent/guardian consent is required for a search conducted by school personnel.

The school SRO will conduct any and all student searches for potential weapons, except in an emergency circumstance wherein the SRO is not immediately available, and delay might result in increased risk of harm to self or others.

Reasonable suspicion requires that the search must be justified at inception and reasonable in its scope and weighs heavily in favor of the school when the safety of the student or student body is in question.

Examples of searches justified at inception include but are not limited to the following:

• Information provided to school personnel that a student is in possession of a weapon,

• such as a firearm, knife, or explosive;

• Information provided to school personnel that a student is in possession of illegal drugs

• or alcohol on school campus, while being transported to and from school functions, or

• while participating in school functions on or off campus;

• Direct observation by school personnel of an item or items resembling contraband.

• Factors such as the student’s age, gender, school disciplinary record, and relationship with staff

• will be taken into account to balance the student’s privacy interest with the school’s

• interest in student and staff safety.

A “search” consists of one or more of the following conducted by school personnel:

• Examining private items or places that are not exposed to public view;

• Physically examining or patting down a student’s body or clothing, including pockets;

• Opening and inspecting personal possessions;

• Handling or feeling closed, opaque items to determine contents.

• All student searches will be conducted in a private or semi­private location with at least two

• members of the school staff present.

• If school personnel discover evidence that a student has violated the law or the school or

District Code of Conduct, the following actions will be taken as necessary and appropriate:

• Removal of the student to an isolated location on the school campus under supervision by

• school personnel;

• Confiscation of contraband to preserve the integrity of the chain of custody and

• potential legal investigation;

• Notification of relevant law enforcement agency;

• Notification of parents/guardians/other stakeholders.