Tips for Conducting Investigations

Tips for Conducting Investigations

Upon learning of alleged student misconduct, the school administrator should conduct a thorough investigation. The primary goal of the investigation is to gather facts and determine next steps to bring about a resolution to the incident.

Gathering Information

] Identify all parties (victims, offenders, and witnesses). ] Assess for additional threats to the situation (other student conflicts, injuries, outsiders, safety hazards). ] Considering if it is necessary to involve the police. If the police are involved, continue your investigation and observe interviews, if possible. ] Contact the Regional Superintendent or School Operations Manager for guidance or assistance.

Conducting Interviews

] Conduct interviews. It is essential to interview people involved in the incident, especially the student himself/herself. Be sure to take notes and document the investigative process. ] Investigative Questions should not lead the witness to an answer. These questions should invoke a memory of a particular event, people involved, etc (samples below): – Can you tell me everything that happened concerning……? – Can you tell me what happened on ______ (date)? – Please tell me everything that occurred from the time you arrived at school on Thursday until you left at the end of the day. ] Gather and review evidence (witness statements, pictures, videos, social media postings, documentation of damages, injuries). ] School officials may conduct searches of students (at school) if there is probable cause or reasonable grounds for the search. ] School officials are authorized by state statute, to conduct locker searches without student consent or notification, if the searches are deemed necessary and appropriate.

Follow Up

] Contact parents. Communicate incident, injuries, restraint/seclusion, and disposition. ] Enter incident in Infinite Campus. Document seclusion and restraint. ] When applicable, issue suspension to the student/parent. Mail a copy to the student’s home, if necessary. ] Contact specialized services provider and supervisor for students with disabilities. ] Submit report of conduct, if necessary, within 24 hours of incident.

Incident and Steps to Take

Assault or Battery

q Interview the victim (privately and separately) a. Assess for injuries b. Contact medical personnel if required c. Get a written statement w Interview the offender (privately and separately) – collect a written statement e Determine if there are witnesses/video a. Collect written witness statements b. Have school safety review cameras and provide a written statement. If no other witnesses, have another staff member view and provide a statement. r Contact the police, if necessary a. Exchange contact information with officer b. Ask about any pending charges c. Determine whether the student was detained t Contact the Regional/School Operations Manager

Evidence

Statements • Victim • Offender • Witnesses – includes safety, staff, and students • Nurse – Detailed description of injuries Pictures of injuries – protect victim identity as much as possible

Video Evidence – have at least two people view and write narrative

Collected Evidence • Make copy of evidence for school • Make copy of evidence for police

Bullying and Sexual Assault (with Evidence)

q Interview the victim (privately and separately) a. Assess for injuries b. Contact medical personnel if required c. Get a written statement w Interview the offender (privately and separately) – collect a written statement e Determine if there are witnesses/video a. Collect written witness statements b. Have school safety review cameras and provide a written statement. If no other witnesses, have another staff member view and provide a statement. r Contact the police, if necessary a. Exchange contact information with officer b. Ask about any pending charges c. Determine whether the student was detained t Contact the Regional/School Operations Manager

Bullying and Sexual Assaults (No Evidence)

q Interview the victim (privately and separately) a. Assess for injuries b. Contact medical personnel if required c. Get a written statement w Interview the offender (privately and separately) – take a statement e Create PLP Behavior Note for victim. Include

“allegation of sexual assault” with no offender details r Maintain an internal school file for a period of 7 years t Contact the Regional/School Operations Manager t Issue a formal letter of investigation and findings to the parent (Regional approval required before release) Statements • Victim • Offender • Witnesses – includes safety, staff, and students

Video Evidence – have at least two people view and write narrative

Collected Evidence • Make copy of evidence for school • Make copy of evidence for police

Incident and Steps to Take

Possession/possession with intent to distribute/ ownership/use of alcohol or illegal drugs

q Interview offender a. If student(s) is/are believed to be under the influence, contact school nurse or medical personnel. b. If offender is found to be in possession of contraband, secure the contraband. w Determine if there are witnesses/video to view and provide a statement e Take a photo of contraband with student ID number and note the location in which the contraband was found r Contact police a. Exchange contact information with officer b. Ask about any pending charges c. Determine whether the student was detained t Contact the Regional/School Operations Manager

Weapons

q Secure the weapon (guns, tasers, brass knuckles, knives w/ 3+ inch blades) if possible w Contact the police immediately e Interview the offender – take a statement r Identify any witnesses – get witness statement t Exchange contact information with officer a. Ask about any pending charges b. Determine whether the student was arrested y Contact the Regional/School Operations Manager

Evidence

Statements • Victim • Offender • Witnesses – includes safety, staff, and students Video Evidence – have at least two people view and write narrative

Picture of the Drugs/Container • Include student ID# & picture • Use ruler to show length/size • Picture in/outside of the container

Collected Evidence • Make copy of evidence for school • Make copy of evidence for police

Statements • Victim • Offender • Witnesses – includes safety, staff, and students

Picture of the weapon • Include student ID# & picture • Use ruler to show length/size Video Evidence – have at least two people view and write narrative

Collected Evidence • Make copy of evidence for school • Make copy of evidence for police