FGCA-AP: Searches on School Property
The District recognizes its responsibility to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment while respecting the constitutional rights of learners. Searches conducted by school officials shall be reasonable under the circumstances and consistent with applicable law.
AUTHORITY TO SEARCH
School administrators or their designees may conduct searches of learners, their personal belongings, lockers, desks, vehicles, or other school property when reasonable suspicion exists that a law, District policy, or school rule has been violated, or when a safety concern is present.
The principal or designee should always be accompanied by at least one other school staff member when conducting a search of individuals or property.
Law enforcement officers may be involved when necessary to address safety or criminal matters. Searches conducted by law enforcement shall require probable cause unless exigent safety circumstances justify school initiated action.
REASONABLE SUSPICION
Reasonable suspicion is based on specific and articulable facts, which may include but are not limited to observable behavior, reliable information from staff or learners, or circumstances reasonably indicating a violation of law or District policy.
SCOPE OF SEARCHES
Searches shall be reasonably related in scope to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive considering the age and gender of the learner and the nature of the suspected infraction.
SEARCH OF LEARNER'S PERSON
A learner’s person and outer clothing may be searched when reasonable suspicion exists.
Strip searches are strictly prohibited.
SEARCH PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Learners’ personal belongings, including but not limited to book bags, purses, coats, pencil boxes, athletic bags, cellphone, and similar items, may be searched only when reasonable suspicion exists that the items contain evidence of a violation of law or District policy.
LOCKERS, DESKS, AND SCHOOL PROPERTY
The District retains ownership and control of all lockers and desks provided to learners.
Lockers, desks, and other District owned storage areas may be inspected or searched with or without reasonable suspicion and without prior notice for purposes such as routine maintenance, or searches where there is suspicion that it contains objects/substances that are illegal, violate school policy, or may be detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of district learners.
Trained detection dogs may be used to sniff the exterior of lockers. A positive alert may establish reasonable suspicion for further search.
Learners shall have no expectation of privacy when using District owned property.
VEHICLES ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
Vehicles parked on District property may be searched when reasonable suspicion exists that the vehicle contains items that violate the law or District policy.
Trained detection dogs may be used to sniff the exterior of vehicles. A positive alert may establish reasonable suspicion for further search.
METAL DETECTORS & ELECTRONIC DETECTION DEVICES
The District may utilize metal detectors and similar electronic detection devices under the following circumstances:
- When reasonable suspicion exists that a learner is in possession of a weapon or other prohibited item, metal detectors may be used to search the learner and their personal belongings.
- Metal detectors may be used at the discretion of the administration when a specific or generalized safety threat has been identified.
- Metal detectors may be used at random or for security purposes at largescale events, extracurricular activities, or school sponsored gatherings.
All use of metal detectors shall be conducted in a minimally intrusive and respectful manner.\
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
District issued electronic devices may be searched at any time in accordance with District technology policies.
Learner-owned electronic devices may be searched only when reasonable suspicion exists and when the search is reasonably related to the suspected violation.
ILLEGAL ITEM & DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Any illegal items discovered during a search shall be turned over to proper authorities.
Disciplinary and/or legal consequences shall be determined on a case-by-case basis in accordance with District policy, the District’s Code of Conduct, and applicable law.
DOCUMENTATION
School officials are encouraged to document searches, including the basis for reasonable suspicion, the scope of the search, and the outcome, when appropriate.
NONDISCRIMINATION
Searches shall not be conducted in a discriminatory or arbitrary manner and shall not be based solely on race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics.
Adopted: 02/28/2017
Reviewed:
Revised: 02/24/2026