In Re Latasha W.
People v. Latasha W.
Opinion
Opinion
Neal, J.
Summary
Random metal detector weapon searches of high school students do not violate the Fourth Amendment constitutional ban on unreasonable searches and seizures.
Facts and Proceedings Below
Appellant is a high school student. Before appellant enrolled, her high school had instituted a written policy for daily weapons searches, in order to protect students and staff. The searches were to be made at random, and persons to be searched selected on neutral criteria. Parents and students were given notice before institution of this practice, and again at frequent intervals.
Searches were conducted using a hand-held metal detector, waved next to the student’s person. Students were asked to open jackets or pockets to reveal items which triggered the detector.
The day appellant was searched the assistant principal determined that those students who entered the attendance office without hall passes, and those who were late, within a half-hour after 8:09 a.m., would be searched. Appellant was one of eight to ten students who met these criteria and were searched. After the metal detector beeped, she was asked to open her pocket, revealing a knife.