NEPN/NSBA Code: KLGA
RELATIONS WITH SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS
AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES
The School Committee 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 School Committee hereby officially designates the police officers assigned by the Lewiston Police Department to serve as SROs as the law enforcement unit of Lewiston Public 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 Lewiston Public Schools.
In keeping with Lewiston Public Schools’ mission, the primary roles of the SROs are to:
Provide support and assistance to the school administration and staff to maintain a safe and constructive le
Rarning environment;
Enforce local, state, and federal laws;
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;
Serve as a resource to administrators and staff concerning law enforcement and child welfare issues;
Assist individual students and their families in addressing issues related to law enforcement and helping students to have a meaningful school experience; and
Serve as a liaison between the schools and the Lewiston Police Department 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 School Committee policies and school rules. However, the Superintendent and administrators may seek the assistance of an SRO and/or the Lewiston 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 Lewiston Police Department when they have reason to suspect that a student or staff member may have violated a state or federal criminal law.
In general, the School Committee 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 are considered to be school officials with legitimate educational interests in reviewing educational records in order to perform their professional responsibilities.
The School Committee authorizes the Superintendent to develop administrative procedures, in consultation with the Lewiston Police Department, to guide interactions between the schools, the SROs, and the Lewiston Police Department. Such procedures should safeguard the rights of students and parents and be consistent with School Committee policies. School administrators may also develop appropriate building-level procedures regarding the role and activities of SROs in their schools. All administrative procedures must be consistent with School Committee policies, as well as the SRO program agreement between Lewiston Public Schools and the Lewiston Police Department, and are subject to approval by the School Committee.
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 Records
Adopted: January 8, 2024