KLGA Relations with School Resource Officers and Law Enforcement Authorities
The Board recognizes that a cooperative relationship with law enforcement authorities is desirable for the protection of students and staff and in maintaining a safe school environment. The Board hereby officially designates the police officers assigned by the Bath Police Department to serve as School Resource Officers (SRO) as the law enforcement unit of the RSU 1 schools. The purpose of the SROs is to enforce local, state and federal laws and to assist in maintaining the physical security and safety of the RSU 1 schools.
In keeping with RSU 1's mission, the primary roles of the SROs are to:
A. Provide support and assistance to the school administration and staff to maintain a safe and constructive learning environment;
B. Enforce local, state and federal laws and coordinate with other law enforcement agencies, should the need arise.
C. Serve as a resource to administrators and teachers in planning and providing age-appropriate educational programs that foster respect for the law, an understanding of law enforcement, and safe and healthy behaviors;
D. Serve as a resource to administrators and staff concerning law enforcement and child welfare issues;
E. Assist individual students and their families in addressing issues related to law enforcement and helping students to have a meaningful school experience; and
F. Serve as a liaison between the Bath Police Department and RSU 1 in addressing issues of concern to both departments.
School administrators and staff have the primary responsibility for maintaining proper order in the schools and for disciplining students for violations of Board policies and school rules. However, the Superintendent and administrators may seek the assistance of an SRO and/or the Bath Police Department when they believe there is a threat to the welfare and safety of the schools, students and/or staff. The Superintendent and administrators shall also inform an SRO and/or the Bath Police Department when they have reason to suspect that a student may have violated a state or federal criminal law.
The Board discourages SROs and other law enforcement authorities from using the schools as a venue to arrest and/or question students for activities not related to or affecting the schools. The Superintendent and administrators retain the authority to deny access to students for non- school-related investigations.
Under this policy, SROs, in their role in RSU 1, are allowed access to educational records in order to perform their professional responsibilities.
administrative procedures must be consistent with Board policies, as well as the SRO Program Agreement between RSU 1 and the Bath Police Department, and are subject to approval by the Board.
Legal Reference: 20 USC 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99
Cross Reference: EBCA -- Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan JICIA -- Weapons, Violence and School Safety JIH --Questioning and Searches of Students JRA -- Student Education Records and Information SRO Program Agreement
Adopted: August 24, 2015