SRO Involvement in Student Conduct and Discipline; Exercise of Discretion. The SRO shall cooperate to identify how to exercise discretion in the school building so that law enforcement engagement is fair and equitable for all students in the School District. The term “exercise of discretion” connotes the SRO’s election to prosecute student misconduct as criminal violations rather than to resolve circumstances through alternative methods. The SRO should exercise discretion to refrain from enforcing the student code of conduct or engaging in other disciplinary matters wherein the underlying conduct is not a violation of criminal law and has a nexus to school. Absent a real and immediate threat to student, teacher, or school safety, incidents, including but not limited to public order offenses such as disturbances or disruptions of schools or public assembly; profanity; and student conflicts that do not involve physical injury or a weapon will be considered school discipline issues to be handled by school officials. Exceptions to this are domestic violence or acts of sexual misconduct or assault. Self-harming behaviors, such as nicotine use, marijuana use or alcohol use on school grounds, shall be considered school discipline issues, unless it is the second occurrence of such harmful behavior by a student. Upon repeat offenses, the SRO and school administration will work through the offense using practices outlined herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the School Administrator may ask the SRO to confiscate contraband or other illegal substances. School District employees shall comply with all mandatory reporting responsibilities, which will, more than likely, prompt law enforcement engagement. The SRO shall not be used for regularly assigned lunchroom duties, hall monitoring or other monitoring duties.
SRO Involvement in Student Conduct and Discipline; Exercise of Discretion. An effective SRO will work with the School District collaboratively, respectfully and with understanding. The SRO or SRO Supervisor will exercise discretion as provided in this IGA when taking law enforcement action as needed and within the SRO’s or SRO Supervisor’s legal authority and discretion. The SRO will exercise discretion in the school building so that law enforcement engagement is fair and equitable for all students in the School District. The term “exercise discretion” connotes the SRO’s discretionary election to prosecute student misconduct as criminal violations rather than resolving the circumstances through alternative methods outside of the criminal justice system. The SRO shall not enforce the student code of conduct, but may refer these actions to School Administration for further action. The SRO shall exercise discretion for first-time offenders. Upon repeat offenses, the SRO and school administration will work through the offense using practices outlined herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the School Administrator may ask the SRO to confiscate contraband or other illegal substances.
