13.0 - 13.5 Searches

The Administrator, teacher, or security personnel of Great Plains Technology Center, having reasonable suspicion, shall have the authority to detain and search or authorize the search, of any pupil or property (to include privately owned vehicles) in the possession of the pupil when said pupil is on any school premises, or while in transit under the authority of the school, or while attending any function sponsored or authorized by the school, for:

A. dangerous weapons,
B. controlled dangerous substances, as defined in the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act,
C. intoxicating beverages, and non-intoxicating beverages, as defined by Section 163.2 of Title 37 of the Oklahoma Statues,
D. portable audio/video and photographic devices, or
E. for missing or stolen property if said property is reasonable suspect to have been taken from a pupil, a school employee, or the school during school activities.

The search shall be conducted by a person of the same sex as the person being searched and shall be witnessed by at least one other authorized person, said person to be of the same sex if practical.
The extent of any search conducted pursuant to this section shall be reasonably related to the objective of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the infraction. In no event shall a strip search of a student be allowed. No student’s clothing, except outerwear, may be removed prior to or during the conduct of any warrantless search.

The Administrator or school personnel searching or authorizing the search shall have authority to detain the pupil to be searched and to preserve any of the defined items above which might be in the pupil’s possession including the authority to authorize any other persons they feel necessary to restrain such pupil or to preserve any of the above defined items.

Any pupil found to be in possession of dangerous weapons, controlled dangerous substances, intoxicating and non-intoxicating beverages, or missing or stolen property may be suspended by the Administrator for a period not to exceed the current school semester and the succeeding semester. Any pupil suspended under this section may appeal any such suspension to the Great Plains Technology Center Board of Education.

Pupils shall not have any reasonable expectation of privacy towards school administrators or teachers in the contents of a school locker, desk, or other school property. School personnel shall have access to school lockers, desks, and other school property in order to properly supervise the welfare of pupils. School lockers, desks, and other areas of school facilities may be opened and examined by school officials at any time and no reason shall be necessary for such search.

Book bags and/or backpacks are subject to search by school personnel at any time due to health and safety concerns related to the carrying of contraband (includes weapons).

If a pupil flees pending a search or destroys any property in the pupil’s possession prior to or after the search, this will be considered a serious violation of the Student Code, and punishment may be a minimum of a ten (10) day suspension.

Surveillance cameras will be used in shops, classrooms and other areas deemed necessary.

Canine inspections of school property or property in the possession of the pupil, including automobiles, may be periodically conducted, and no reason shall be necessary for such inspections. Hand-held metal detectors may be used to search for dangerous weapons.

Any pupil refusing to allow the search of his or her vehicle by an Administrator after reasonable suspicion is established, will not be allowed to drive a privately owned vehicle on campus after said incident.