Section:1000 Community Relations
Policy Name:Cooperation with Police Authorities
Policy Number:1141
Date Approved:9/8/2008
Last Revised:N/A


Cooperation with Police Authorities

The Board of Education recognizes the appropriateness of cooperation with law enforcement officials in the investigation of criminal activity. The Board also recognizes its responsibility for the welfare of students while they are in attendance at school. In furtherance of these objectives, school officials shall observe the following:

Students are not immune from criminal prosecution by virtue of their status as students nor is the school building to be considered a sanctuary from criminal prosecution or a refuge from the proper activities of law enforcement personnel. Consequently, whenever a police officer is in "hot pursuit" of a person suspected of criminal activity based upon probable cause or when an officer has a search warrant or an arrest warrant, the officer shall be admitted to school property in the exercise of his official duties.

Under other circumstances, however, the educational interests of the District may best be served by entrusting primary responsibility for the maintenance of order to school personnel. Thus, the school principal or his/her designee shall have the authority, except as noted above, to limit police involvement on school property when such involvement is considered unwarranted or inappropriate in light of these educational interests and the welfare of students.

The Superintendent of Schools is directed to establish lines of communication with local law enforcement officials in order to effect the cooperation needed for the security of school facilities and the safety of students and staff.

The Superintendent of Schools shall develop guidelines for school administrators regarding the involvement of police in the schools, including police interrogation of students on school premises.

Statutory references: Connecticut General Statutes §10-154a, §10-221, §10-233d