BackgroundHorizon School Division promotes collaboration between the
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the schools within Horizon in
supporting the well-being of its students and staff and ensuring a safe and
caring school environment. It is the responsibility of the Director of
Education, through the Principal, to safeguard the rights, well-being, and
confidentiality of every student and staff member of the school.
Procedures1. All visits or inquiries to a school by the RCMP shall be
approved by the Principal.
2. Prior to an interview taking place, the Director (or
designate) shall be notified.
3. Except in extenuating circumstances, RCMP interviews with
students or staff shall take place off school property and outside school
hours.
4. Except in instances of child welfare intervention due to
suspected child abuse, the Principal shall advise parents/caregivers prior to
an interview with a child. When the parent/caregiver is unable to be contacted,
the interview will not be permitted.
6. Arrest/Apprehension of a student or staff member:
6.1. If a student or staff member is to be arrested by RCMP,
whether under warrant or otherwise, the Principal shall provide a secure and private area for
the student or staff member. The Principal will then advise the RCMP of the location of the
student or staff member and escort the RCMP to the location for the purpose of
arrest/apprehension.
6.2. In the event of arrest or apprehension, the student or staff
member and RCMP shall leave the school premises immediately upon the arrest or
apprehension being carried out.
6.3. The Principal shall, by phone, immediately notify the
parent/caregiver that their child has been arrested and the Principal shall
make reasonable efforts to inquire whether the RCMP have contacted the
parents/caregivers. Where contact cannot be made by phone, a letter shall be
sent immediately confirming that a phone call had been made but that contact
had not been attained.
7. The Principal shall keep a written log of all interviews of
students by RCMP and child welfare workers that take place in the school. This
log shall be kept on file at the school and any requests to view the written
log shall occur through the Director of Education.
Legal Reference: Section
85, 87, 175 Education ActChild
and Family Services ActYouth
Criminal ActOctober 3, 2019