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POLICE AND THE SCHOOL TEAM EFFORT

NCJ Number
64228
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 27 Issue: 12 Dated: (DECEMBER 1979) Pages: 34,36-39
Author(s)
R F SHELTON; J E SURRATT
Date Published
1979
Length
5 pages
Annotation
THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONTENT OF A POLICY MANUAL FOR POLICE-SCHOOL INTERACTION IN BURLINGTON, N.C., FOR USE IN A VARIETY OF SITUATIONS ARE DESCRIBED.
Abstract
SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND POLICE OFFICERS REVIEWED AND DISCUSSED COMMON PROBLEMS RELATED TO BOMB THREATS, UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY, CRIMINAL OFFENSES COMMITTED ON SCHOOL PROPERTY, FIRE AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES, AND ADDITIONAL SERVICES NEEDED FOR ATHLETIC EVENTS. THREE PRINCIPALS AND THREE POLICE OFFICERS WERE THEN ASKED TO COMPOSE A POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL THAT WOULD OUTLINE THE ROLES AND PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED BY SCHOOL PERSONNEL AND THE POLICE IN INTERACTION WITH ONE ANOTHER UNDER DEFINED CIRCUMSTANCES. IN THE CASE OF BOMB THREATS RECEIVED BY THE SCHOOL, SCHOOL PERSONNEL ARE TO COMPLETE A FORM PROVIDED BY THE POLICE ACCORDING TO THE NEW MANUAL. WHEN POLICE RECEIVE SUCH A CALL, APPROPRIATE SCHOOL AUTHORITIES ARE TO BE NOTIFIED. POLICE ARE TO CONTACT THE PERSON IN CHARGE OF THE SCHOOL IMMEDIATELY UPON ARRIVAL. DECISIONS RELATING TO AN EVACUATION AND A SEARCH ARE TO BE MADE BY THE SCHOOL OFFICIAL. IN INSTANCES WHERE AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ARE ON SCHOOL PROPERTY, THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OR PERSON IN CHARGE OF THE SCHOOL IS TO ASK THE INTRUDING PARTY TO LEAVE. POLICE ARE TO BE CALLED IF THE PARTY DOES NOT COMPLY. FELONIES, SERIOUS MISDEMEANORS, AND OTHER OFFENSES ARE DESCRIBED IN THE MANUAL, AND NOTIFICATION OF THE POLICE IS ADVISED WHEN IT IS SUSPECTED THAT SUCH OFFENSES HAVE OCCURRED ON SCHOOL PROPERTY. ADVICE IS INCLUDED ON THE PLACEMENT OF ALARMS IN THE SCHOOL AND THE REPORTING OF FIRES. PROCEDURES FOR PLANNING AND SECURING POLICE HELP IN CROWD CONTROL AT ATHLETIC EVENTS ARE DESCRIBED. THE PURPOSE AND PROCEDURE FOR 'ON-SCHOOL PREMISES' INTERVIEWS BY POLICE ARE ALSO DESCRIBED. (RCB)