STUDENT SEARCHES APPROVED

Rules are now in place for searching students for anything illegal or
prohibited at Red Deer Public Schools.

"It's not something we want to use," said Bruce Buruma, community
relations director for the district.

"It just puts into policy some general practices we have been following."

The new search and seizure policy allows staff to search students,
school property used by students, and students' possessions.

A policy did not exist previously. School board trustees gave final
approval to the policy on Wednesday.

Student or their possessions can be searched if they are in school
buildings or parking lots, on school grounds or fields, and during
offsite activities.

Drug detection dogs can be used in the searches.

The student will not be physically searched, but asked to reveal
concealed items in pockets or bags, or by removing items such as
jackets, hats, socks and shoes, and other accessories.

A student could be asked to shake out their clothing, roll up their
sleeves, waist bands or pant cuffs.

The student will not be strip-searched.

Buruma said the rights of students must be respected, but at the same
time balanced against the security and safety of all students and staff.

Weapons, drugs and hate lists, are examples of items that would be of
definite concern. More items could be prohibited, depending on the
conduct and discipline code of a school, he said.