Random Searches

Random searches in schools involve randomly selected locations in which all or a pre-determined number of individuals and their personal belongings are searched. The random selection process is based on a pre-determined, systematic pattern or guideline. Students may also be searched if they are found violating district policy (skipping class), in this case the search is conducted due to reasonable suspicion.

Random searches are conducted to improve safety of all students by deterring individuals from bringing weapons or other contraband to school or school-sponsored activities.

YES. Students in schools maintain their Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable searches; however, courts have ruled that the standard for “reasonableness” is lower in a school environment because of the special need to maintain a safe learning environment. Random searches may be conducted by schools when certain guidelines are followed.

The procedure for randomly selecting individuals for searches is documented by the administrator managing the search. Typically, a team of administrators collaborates to aid in the random selection process.

NO. Students who do not comply with a random search will be subjected to school discipline just as if they have violated other school procedures. Pursuant to district policy FNF (LOCAL), CISD reserves the right to subject students to metal detection searches when they enter a campus or at school activities. The above policy is meant to promote a safe environment for all students in the district.

Random searches are conducted by a school administrator, their designees, or authorized district staff, including CISD Campus Security Monitors. Law enforcement officers do not administer random searches.

All CISD staff members who conduct searches are required to complete annual school search training utilizing best practices and standards.

Search procedures are developed with safety as the number one priority. All random searches have at least one law enforcement officer present to monitor and respond quickly to any safety concerns.

Handheld metal detectors (wands) are used to conduct random searches.

A simple pat down will only be conducted if necessary. For example, if a metal detector alerts to an unidentified metal item, a pat down may be necessary to identify the item. If a more thorough search is required, the student will be escorted to a private area. If a pat down is necessary, it will only be conducted by a school official of the same gender as the student.

Possibly. If contraband is found on a student, the search show up on a child’s student record.

If a student is found with an item that is a violation of the CISD Student Code of Conduct, they will face disciplinary action pursuant to the Progressive Discipline Plan. If the contraband constitutes a violation of law, the item will be immediately turned over to law enforcement.

Administrators and school staff are accustomed to working with and accommodating students who have special needs.

NO. The school community is being notified that a random search program is being utilized in CISD schools, and your child may be subjected to searches throughout the school year. If any contraband is located on your child, you will be notified.

The effectiveness of the random search program will be largely based on the ability of the school/district to keep searches truly random. Students need to be aware that a program is in place and that they may be subject to search at any time.

School lockers, desks and district-owned electronic devices may be searched under this program. Board policy states that these items are the property of the school district and subject to search. A student has a significantly diminished expectation of privacy for any items stored in a locker, desk or on a district- owned device.

No. The intrusiveness of a search program should always be weighed against the rights of students and need for the school to maintain a safe environment.

The number of students searched will vary based on how many are identified during a tardy sweep. While this may fluctuate, our priority is to conduct searches efficiently to minimize disruptions to the school day. Approximate: 15-20 students

The random searches are designed to be quick and efficient. Each search, conducted using a metal-detecting wand, will take only a few seconds per student. Our trained staff will ensure the process is handled promptly, allowing students to return to class with minimal loss of instructional time.

We understand that changes like this may initially lead to questions or hesitation. To prepare students, we’ve communicated the purpose of these searches, highlighting their role in maintaining a safe and secure campus. The procedures have been developed with input from students and staff, ensuring fairness and transparency. While there may be initial adjustment, we expect students will adapt as they see the program’s focus is their safety and well-being

Focusing random searches on students identified during tardy sweeps allows us to address moments when students are already out of class, ensuring minimal disruption to instructional time. This approach also prioritizes safety by targeting situations where students might have unauthorized items while roaming the campus. By integrating the random search process into tardy sweeps, we create an additional layer of security in a practical and efficient manner.