School Safety Law Blog – Page 105 – News and Information for School Safety

Safety Law News for January 26, 2016

by Bernie James • January 26, 2016

In South Carolina, proposed legislation would create “School Protection Officers,” who would be teachers, administrators or any other school employees who would be allowed to carry guns or pepper spray at school. [House Bill 4716]

In Utah, officials launched the SafeUT Crisis and Safety Tipline for students. The SafeUT Mobile App provides students confidential and anonymous two-way communication with SafeUT crisis counselors or school staff.

In Minnesota, nearly 50 administrators in the St. Paul schools are being reassigned to 11 troubled schools in the district that are plagued by student behavioral problems. The short-term deployment of administrators — as well as teachers on special assignment — is one of several strategies being employed to quell unruly behavior. Fight-related and other suspensions have spiked this school year, and the teachers union has threatened to strike if they don’t get their way on how to turn things around.

In Michigan, school officials in Berrien County are using the cloud-based NaviGate Prepared school safety system to improve school safety. It effectively organizes safety information for administrators while giving first responders ‘eyes on’ access to everything they need in an emergency — from floor plans to 360-degree images and more.

by Bernie James • January 22, 2016

In Michigan, officials in the Grand Rapids Public Schools turn down a $1 million grant in implement a school resource officer program. Parents and other community leaders said they weren’t comfortable having police officers inside the schools after national incidents in 2015.

In New Jersey, educators and law enforcement officials are telling parents to resist the urge to help during a campus crisis. Research suggests that self-deploying to the school is not a helpful thing for a parent can do.

In Colorado, an investigative report on the fatal shooting of Claire Davis at Arapahoe High School on December 13, 2013, concludes that failures to collaborate and share information contributed to the missed opportunities that might have prevented the incident.

In Washington, D.C., officials from the U.S. Department of Education say that, statistically speaking, U.S. schools are growing safer every year.

by Bernie James • January 19, 2016

In Nebraska, school resource officers are participating in Washington County’s juvenile diversion program. The program is designed to address recidivism and substance abuse among nonviolent juveniles. Once they complete the program, participants will have a felony conviction dismissed.

In Maryland, a survey released by Wicomico County reveals that a majority of teachers and staff are concerned over student and staff safety and the growing level of disrespect in the classroom. More than 70 percent of those polled believe disrespect from students toward teachers and staff has increased from previous school years.

In Wisconsin, the legislature is considering a bill [AB 517] that would require public high schools and private high schools participating in the state’s voucher program to collect statistics on crimes and safety incidents on school property, school buses and school-sanctioned events.

High School Students in Beloit, Wisconsin, say they are concerned about safety. In a new survey 36.3 percent agree that violence is a problem at their school, and 48.2 percent of students agree that harassment and bullying is a problem.

by Bernie James • January 12, 2016

In Florida, a lawmaker has proposed a bill that would require school-resource officers at every public-school campus. The legislation, SB 1368, would require that at least one officer be present at each public school from 30 minutes before classes start until 30 minutes after classes end.

In Massachusetts, the City of Fall River is giving its school resource officers certificate training as Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainers. The training teaches the SRO how to assess risk in juveniles experiencing mental health, addiction or other challenges.

In New Jersey, a bill before the state Legislature would create a new category of police officer, stationing armed, retired cops under the age of 65 inside New Jersey schools. The bill (S2983) establishes “Class Three” special police officers designated to provide security at both public and private schools. They would not replace school resource officers, who are specially trained full-time police officers stationed at some schools.

In New York City, the initial implementation of its new disciplinary policy utilizes warning cards. A student caught on campus with seven baggies of marijuana was handed the student a warning card: “Please bring this card home to your parent(s)/guardian so that you can discuss the matter with them.” The pot was turned over to the NYPD, but the student’s name was listed as “John Doe.”

by Bernie James • January 4, 2016

In Illinois, a new law requires student teacher applicants to submit to a finger print analysis. All school districts must verify that a new teacher is not on the sex offender, child murderer or violent offender against youth registries. [SB 706].

In New Hampshire, a new law prohibits school officials from making students reveal their social networking accounts, or supply account information, or force students to add school officials to their accounts. The school district would have to request information from parents. The law does not apply to accounts created at a school or on school computers. [House Bill 142].

In North Carolina, a new law requires school bus drivers to manage student safety by using hand signals to help guide kids on when it’s safe to cross the street.

In New York, a new law escalating felony penalties for human trafficking and prostitution in a school zone. [Bill Number A00506].

by Bernie James • December 21, 2015

In New Mexico, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit ruled that the arrest of a student with special needs for kicking a teacher in violation of state law prohibiting battery upon school personnel did not constitute discrimination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. [J.H. ex rel. J.P. v. Bernalillo County].

The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled that a 17 year-old student was not in custody when he was interviewed by police in the counselor’s office of his high school. School officials did not participate in the interrogation, the student was told he was not under arrest, and there was evidence he had been advised he could leave whenever he wanted to do so. [Farra v. Commonwealth].

The Nebraska Court of Appeals ruled that a school official had reasonable suspicion to search the backpack of a student after hearing a “clunk” sound when the backpack was set down on a counter. There existed a “sufficient probability” that the sound was produced by a prohibited or illegal item, justifying the search that produced a knife. [In re Interest of Dana H.].

In Texas, the United States District Court ruled that school officials’ search of a sixth grade student while investigating an incident involving stink bombs was reasonable under the Fourth Amendment. The student’s name came up multiple times, he admitted that he had stink bombs, which was violation of school rules, and during the search a weapon was found. [Deyo v. Tomball Independent School Dist.].