Students

5131.8-AR

WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS

A. Purpose and Scope

To establish procedures to implement Board Policy 5131.8 which prohibits students from carrying weapons and/or dangerous instruments in district buildings, district vehicles, and on school grounds or at school-related or school-sponsored activities

B. General

1. Possession of or carrying dangerous weapons or similar devices onto the school grounds is a violation of Penal Code 626.10 and 12021.5; therefore, any violation of this regulation shall be reported immediately to the local law enforcement agency and the parents or guardian of student(s) involved immediately, if possible.

2. Students who violate this policy/regulation will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action including recommendation for expulsion.

C. Forms Used and Additional References

None

D. Procedure

1. Any certificated or classified employee of the district may seize any dirk, dagger, knife, folding knife with a locking blade, or a razor with an unguarded blade from the possession of any person in school buildings, school buses, and on school grounds or at school-related or school-sponsored activities if there is reasonable cause to suspect that the person is illegally in possession of a weapon or dangerous instrument.

2. Any other dangerous device, including a blackjack, slingshot, billy club, nunchakus, sand-club, sandbag, metal knuckles, or any metal plate with three or more radiating points with one or more sharp edges designed for use as a weapon may be seized by any employee or the district under the power granted to the governing board to maintain order and discipline in the schools, and to protect the safety of students, staff, and the public.

3. Every employee seizing any weapon or dangerous instrument under the provisions of this regulation shall report the incident to the building principal immediately, and deliver the seized device to the principal, together with name(s) of persons involved, witnesses, location and circumstances of the seizure. If it is known that a student has possession of such a device but the device has not been seized, the employee should report the matter to the principal immediately, and the principal shall take such action as is appropriate. The principal shall report all violations of this regulation to the superintendent or designee, and to the local law enforcement agency on approval of the superintendent or designee.

4. The principal shall also take such disciplinary action as he/she may determine necessary, and shall report the incident to the parent or guardian of the pupil by telephone or in person, and follow this notification with a letter.

E. Reports Required

Incident reports will be maintained as part of a student's legal record. If expulsion is recommended, a Request for Expulsion and all other supporting materials.

F. Record Retention

Incident reports involving use of weapons on school campus may be destroyed upon graduation from high school.

G. Responsible Administrative Unit

Educational Services

H. Approved by:

Ron Raya	6/84	Keith T. Larick	6/84
Responsible Division Head	Date	Superintendent	Date