Hand wands search policy begins

Implemented for grades 6 through 12

Mentor School District has implemented a security policy permitting properly trained administrators to use hand-held metal detectors, or wands, in grades 6 through 12 to detect dangerous or unauthorized objects.

Implementation of the wands began on April 15.

A letter sent to parents and guardians and signed by Assistant Superintendent Timothy Hamman states:

“Mentor Schools is committed to protecting the health, welfare, and safety of students, staff, visitors and district property. Accordingly, the Board of Education has authorized properly-trained school administrators to use hand-held metal detectors, or wands, to detect guns, knives, dangerous weapons, and other unauthorized objects (e.g. vape pens and drug paraphernalia).

“Students will only be searched with a wand when a school administrator reasonably suspects that the search is required to discover evidence of a violation of law or school rules. These metal detectors may be used in school buildings, on district property and at Board of Education-sponsored events for students in grades 6 through 12.”

According to board policy, school administrators may use hand-held metal detectors whenever they reasonably suspect that the search is required to discover evidence of a violation of law or school rules.

Each school administrator operating a wand will be trained in the proper use of the device, and screenings will be conducted by a school administrator of the same sex as the student being searched and in the presence of another staff member.

A request for the search will be directed to the principal who will seek consent of the student unless there is reasonable belief that health and safety are immediately threatened.

The policy states: “When a student is found to be in possession of a weapon, or there is a threat

of imminent danger, school staff shall immediately notify law enforcement. Students found to be in violation of any board policies or the Student-Parent Handbook shall be subject to discipline.”

The school resource officer will not conduct, but may be present during the screening of students with hand-held metal detectors.

The school administrator conducting the search shall be responsible for the prompt recording in writing of each student search, including the reasons for the search, information that prompted it and results.

The district will notify students and parents/ guardian, at least annually at the beginning of the school year, that hand-held metal detectors are used in accordance with the board policy.

More information about the district’s use of hand held metal detectors is included in Board Policy 7440 and Board Policy 7440.02.