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JICHA BREATHALYZER TESTING

In order to safeguard the individual and general welfare of all students, RSU 1 may administer a breathalyzer test as a condition of admission to school or school-related activity to any student or his/her guests. It may also administer such a test at any time during the school day or activity. Students will be notified of this policy through the student handbook as well as open assembly for all students. Parents will be notified through school newsletter. 

[Breathalyzer Testing] Students exhibiting signs of having consumed alcohol, including, but not limited to glassy eyes, slurred speech, unsteadiness on the feet or emission of an alcoholic odor may be requested to take a breathalyzer test administered by a school administrator.  If test results are negative, no action shall be taken, although subsequent administrations of the breathalyzer test may be given at any time.  If a student tests positive for alcohol, he or she will receive one additional opportunity to take the test.  Students who test positive for alcohol (a .02 reading on the breathalyzer test) or students who refuse to take a Breathalyzer test upon reasonable suspicion to suspect they have consumed alcohol will be subject to all school rules relating to the use and/or possession of alcohol.

[Protocol for Use of Breathalyzer]

  1. The Breathalyzer can be used during the school day and at all school-sponsored activities including but not limited to: dances, proms or other extracurricular activities.

  2. The Breathalyzer is administered to any student who is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol using the approved checklist.

  3. The Breathalyzer will be administered by a school administrator only.  Any administrator who administers the Breathalyzer must have been previously trained. Appropriate training in the use of the Breathalyzer will be arranged by the school nurse and will meet standards of practice for such training.

  4. There will always be two people present when the observation checklist is completed and the Breathalyzer is administered (either another school administrator, law enforcement officer or a teacher).

  5. The Breathalyzer will be administered in a private area, away from other students.

  6. The student will have two opportunities to take the Breathalyzer.  The initial test may be administered at any time. A second test will be conducted fifteen minutes after the first test has been administered. The results of the Breathalyzer test(s) will be documented and attached to the observation checklist.

  7. If a student does not pass the Breathalyzer, his/her parents will be notified and must come to pick them up.  If a parent/guardian cannot be reached the student will be placed in protective custody by the local police department until a parent/guardian can pick up the student.  The local police will be notified if the student is still in possession of alcohol.

  8. Students who test positive for alcohol or refuse to take the Breathalyzer test upon determination that there is reasonable cause to suspect that they have consumed alcohol will be subject to all school rules and policies relating to the use and/or possession of alcohol. 

Adopted: February 11, 2008

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