FILE: KLG
RELATIONS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES
It is the policy of the Orleans Parish School Board that cooperation with law enforcement agencies is in the best interest and welfare of all citizens. Schools are responsible for the welfare of the students while they are in the care of the school, cooperation with law enforcement agencies is essential for the protection of students, for maintaining a safe environment in the schools, and for safeguarding all school property.
All contact with representatives of law enforcement agencies by school personnel shall be governed by applicable School Board policies.
COOPERATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Orleans Parish School Board, along with the School Board’s security personnel, shall meet with public and law enforcement agencies in Orleans Parish, in a cooperative endeavor, to formulate and maintain a plan of action by all agencies for when law enforcement or other police agencies need to respond to criminal elements or behavior on school campuses, resolve interagency disputes, or perform policing functions. Such plan of action shall address law enforcement agents’ access to schools and shall mandate that such access occur in a manner that does not disrupt the learning environment.
The School Board’s security staff shall coordinate with law enforcement agencies as needed and as may be required by School Board policy.
Investigations or Arrests by Law Enforcement on School Grounds
If a law enforcement officer requests to question a student who witnessed an incident on or off campus or seeks to arrest a student, such requests shall be handled in accordance with policy JCABC, Interrogations.
Requests for Student Data/Records by Law Enforcement
Any requests for student data or student records shall be handled in accordance with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:3913 and 17:3914, and policy JR, Student Privacy And Education Records. Should law enforcement agents request access to or copies of any student data or records, the following procedures shall apply:
The law enforcement agent shall present a subpoena, warrant, or court order authorizing such access.
The school official shall verify the identity of the law enforcement agent by requesting and photocopying the agent’s picture identification card and/or badge.
The school principal/designee shall photocopy the subpoena, warrant, or court order.
If law enforcement does not present a subpoena, warrant, or court order, the principal/designee shall contact legal counsel for the school district prior to cooperating any further with law enforcement.
Revised: September 14, 2017
Ref: U.S. Constitution, Amend. IV
U.S. Constitution, Amend. XIV, Sec. 1
20 USC 1232(g-i) (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
34 CFR 99.1-99.67 (Family Educational Rights and Privacy - Federal Regulations)
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:416, 17:416.3, 17:3913, 17:3914
Moore v. Student Affairs Committee of Troy State University, 284 F.Supp. 725 (M.D. Ala. 1970)
New Jersey v. T.L.O, 469 U.S. 325, 105 S.Ct. 733
Board minutes, 9-14-17
Orleans Parish School Board