USE OF METAL DETECTORS (POLICY 6218) (T.C.A.§49-6-4207)
Use of Metal Detectors (Policy 6218) (T.C.A.§49-6-4207)
In order to promote safety of all students, faculty and staff, and visitors, the Shelby County School System shall maintain walkthrough metal detectors and hand-held metal detectors for utilization in schools and at school activities as outlined in state statute. (T.C.A.§49-6-4207)
Since it is against federal and state law, as well as Shelby County School Board Policy to have a gun or a weapon on school grounds, there may be occasions when school principals feel the need to use metal detectors to facilitate a search to ensure the safety of the students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Walkthrough detectors shall be requested through the Director of Student Services based on a specific need. Hand held models will be issued to local school administrators on an annual basis. Whenever the detectors are to be used the following rules must be followed:
Only Shelby County personnel, who have been trained in the use of metal detectors, will operate the detectors, under the direction of the school principal.
Screenings may be conducted on an entire group or by random selection. Random screenings must ensure that no bias enters into the selection of the individuals to be screened (for example gender, religion, race, etc.)
In cases when there is reasonable suspicion that a weapon may be present, law enforcement officers shall be present at the time of the screening.
In case when there is reasonable suspicion that a weapon may be present, law enforcement officers shall be present at the time of the screening.
Searches are conducted for Shelby County Schools' purposes and not for the primary purpose of gathering evidence or instituting criminal proceedings, however, if a weapon is found, the appropriate law enforcement authorities will be notified and any student with a weapon will face the penalties set forth in the Shelby County School Board Policies.
Signs will be posted notifying students and visitors that they are subject to unannounced electronic screening for weapons.
The person using the metal detector may be of either gender, regardless of the gender of the person subject to the electronic screening for weapons.
In conjunction with using the metal detectors, school personnel may inspect the contents of any backpack, book bag, purse, or parcel for the limited purpose of determining whether a weapon is concealed therein.
If individuals being screened activate the detector and they refuse to reveal the metal object, the police should be notified, and if a student, they are subject to disciplinary actions, including but not limited to suspensions.
Students who fail to cooperate with screening procedures will be subject to discipline for insubordination.