Institute for Criminal Justice Studies School-Based Law Enforcement Certification Course School-Based Law Enforcement Certification Course Officer Ethics ©This TCLEOSE approved Law Enforcement Training Curriculum is the property of CSCS-ICJS

Ethics Introduction School-Based Law Enforcement Officer – Ethics Introduction integrityprofessionalismSchool Based Law Enforcement Officers are dedicated to the highest levels of integrity and professionalism and pledge to continue to work with our schools and community to solve problems of concern. Every student, staff, faculty and guest has a right to a safe and secure work and learning environment.

Ethics - General School-Based Law Enforcement Officer Ethics - General withoutWe recognize and respect the community, and respond to their needs without bias or prejudice, responding to the ever-changing needs of our community. We embrace the values of integrity, public service,competence, responsibility and accountability, and maintaining a workplace environment based on mutual respect. School-Based Law Enforcement Officers working in any school are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards of our profession including honesty, loyalty, accountability and responsibility.

Professional Ethical Conduct should notThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should not knowingly engage in deceptive practices regarding official policies of the school district or educational institution.

should notThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should not knowingly misappropriate, divert, or use monies, personnel, property, or equipment committed to his or her charge for personal gain or advantage. Professional Ethical Conduct

should notThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should not submit fraudulent requests for reimbursement, expenses, or pay. To do so intentionally would constitute a criminal offense under the Texas Penal Code. should notThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should not use institutional or professional privileges for personal or partisan advantage. Professional Ethical Conduct

should neitheracceptofferThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should neither accept nor offer gratuities, gifts, or favors that impair professional judgment or to obtain special advantage. This standard shall not restrict the acceptance of gifts or tokens offered and accepted openly from students, parents, or other persons or organizations in recognition or appreciation of service. Professional Ethical Conduct

should rememberThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should remember when refusing to accept gratuities, gifts, or favors from a student the decline should be done in a very tactful manner so as not to offend or diminish the professional law enforcement and student relationship. Thank the student for their thoughtfulness and let them know the mere thought is sufficient in showing appreciation for you the officer. Professional Ethical Conduct

should notThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should not falsify records, or direct or coerce others to do so. should complyThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should comply with state regulations, written local school board policies, and other applicable state and federal laws. Professional Ethical Conduct

should notThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should not apply for, accept, offer, or assign a position or a responsibility on the basis of professional qualifications. Professional Ethical Conduct

Questions and Discussion

should not complyThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should not comply with verbal orders from any school official that clearly violates state regulations, written local school board policies, and other applicable state and federal laws. Report any such incident immediately to your law enforcement (chain-of- command) supervisors in writing. Professional Ethical Conduct with respect to Principals

State laws State laws take precedent over school district administrator and school district board policies. should document As a law enforcement officer you should document any order that would place you in contravention of State Law and/or local city or county ordinance. Professional Ethical Conduct with respect to Principals

There are some laws that if you as a law enforcement fail to act even if told by a school administrator too do so that will still result in your being charged and possibly indicted. Again with utmost respect Principals do not have authority over State Law and/or your lawful duties under those laws. Professional Ethical Conduct with respect to Principals

Superintendent is like a mayor and principals are liken to city council members. You do not answer to them directly your Chief does (Or should). You answer to your chief and law enforcement department policy, while serving to protect them and their constituents (i.e. the staff, teachers, parents and children) on your campus. Principals and Law Enforcement Officers – CATCH 22? “NO”

A delicate balance of public servant, diplomat and law enforcement officer. Standards (Rules of Engagement) should be the same for each and every campus. Standards (Rules of Engagement) should be the same for each and every campus. Every law enforcement officer will need to earn the trust and respect of their campus principal. Every law enforcement officer will need to earn the trust and respect of their campus principal.

Principals and Law Enforcement Officers – CATCH 22? “NO” It is vitally important for both the principal and the campus law enforcement officer, to each understand their defined roles, duties and responsibilities. In today’s world those who cooperate and work together achieve objectives. In today’s world those who cooperate and work together achieve objectives. We as law enforcement officers must try and always work with our principals. We as law enforcement officers must try and always work with our principals.

We as law enforcement officers (LEO) must understand that: We as law enforcement officers (LEO) must understand that: This is still relatively new idea of having law enforcement assigned to school campuses full time. This is still relatively new idea of having law enforcement assigned to school campuses full time. Many times it is (will be) a mere misunderstanding of ones duties, responsibilities and obligation to follow laws. Many times it is (will be) a mere misunderstanding of ones duties, responsibilities and obligation to follow laws. Or, the fact that children to are subject to laws of this State. Or, the fact that children to are subject to laws of this State. Ethical Solutions

In past history it was the principal ultimately responsible for enforcing discipline on his/her campus. In past history it was the principal ultimately responsible for enforcing discipline on his/her campus. What kids (children) did in school was not considered to be criminal for the most part, such as two kids fighting – however in today's world things have changed and kids are more accountable for their actions now than as they were in the past. What kids (children) did in school was not considered to be criminal for the most part, such as two kids fighting – however in today's world things have changed and kids are more accountable for their actions now than as they were in the past. Law suits against school districts Law suits against school districts Ethical Solutions

When dealing with your campus principal have some empathy, compassion and understanding as to their feelings of ultimate responsibility for anything that happens on their campus. When dealing with your campus principal have some empathy, compassion and understanding as to their feelings of ultimate responsibility for anything that happens on their campus. Build on this and show them you are there to be their immediate asset for maintaining order, discipline and to serve and protect life and property. Build on this and show them you are there to be their immediate asset for maintaining order, discipline and to serve and protect life and property. Keep them informed as their protocols call for, as well as your chain-of-command. Keep them informed as their protocols call for, as well as your chain-of-command. Ethical Solutions

Questions and Discussion Professional Ethical Conduct with respect to Principals

Professional Ethical Conduct with respect to Teachers & Staff should notThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should not reveal confidential health or personnel information concerning colleagues unless disclosure serves lawful professional purposes or is required by law. should notSchool-Based Law Enforcement should not engage in nor promulgate rumors of any type. Keep personal information shared with you to yourself.

should notThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should not interfere with a colleague's exercise of political, professional, or citizenship rights and responsibilities. should notThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should not discriminate against or coerce a colleague on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, or family status. Professional Ethical Conduct with respect to Teachers & Staff

should notThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should not use coercive means or promise of special treatment in order to influence professional decisions or colleagues. should notThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should not solicit or engage in sexual conduct or a romantic relationship with a teacher or other staff member. Professional Ethical Conduct with respect to Teachers & Staff

Questions and Discussion Professional Ethical Conduct with respect to Teachers & Staff

should notThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should not reveal confidential information concerning students unless disclosure serves lawful professional purposes or is required by law. Maintaining student trust and confidence is important. If students trust you they will tell you things they will never tell another staff member. Professional Ethical Conduct with respect to Students

should notThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should not knowingly treat a student in a manner that adversely affects the student's learning, physical health, mental health, or safety. Be careful in joking and playing around with students. Your actions could be misinterpreted or perceived the wrong way. Professional Ethical Conduct with respect to Students

Something as simple as a hug can easily be taken out of context, wrongly perceived or misinterpreted. Touching some students may be offensive and or an affront to their religious or cultural beliefs. favoritism School-Based Law Enforcement must never show or appear to show favoritism. Professional Ethical Conduct with respect to Students

School-Based Law Enforcement must never even in a joking manner say anything that could be considered a put down such as; Are you stupid of what? You are dumber than dirt! Did you eat a bowl of stupid for breakfast? Professional Ethical Conduct with respect to Students

should notThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should not deliberately or knowingly misrepresent facts regarding a student. Johnny is a known trouble-maker – unless you have documentation to prove that he is! I have heard that Cindy is sexually active and has been with several boys. Professional Ethical Conduct with respect to Students

should notThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should not exclude a student from participation in a program, deny benefits to a student, or grant an advantage to a student on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, national origin, religion, or family status. Professional Ethical Conduct with respect to Students

should notThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should not engage in physical mistreatment of a student. should notThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should not solicit or engage in sexual conduct or a romantic relationship with a student. Professional Ethical Conduct with respect to Students

should notThe School-Based Law Enforcement Officer should not furnish alcohol or illegal/unauthorized drugs to any student or knowingly allow any student to consume alcohol or illegal/unauthorized drugs in the presence of the School-Based Law Enforcement Officer. Professional Ethical Conduct with respect to Students

Questions and Discussion Professional Ethical Conduct with respect to Students

DUTIES Basic DUTIES OF SCHOOL BASED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS protect lives To protect lives and property for the citizens, staff and public school students. assist To enforce Federal, State and Local criminal laws and ordinances, and to assist school officials with the enforcement of Board of Education Policies and Administrative Regulations regarding student conduct.

DUTIES Basic DUTIES OF SCHOOL BASED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS To investigate criminal activity committed on or adjacent to school property. when requested To counsel public school students in special situations, such as students suspected of engaging in criminal misconduct, when requested by the principal or the principal's designee or by the parents of the student. To answer questions that students may have about criminal or juvenile law.

assist other law enforcement officers To assist other law enforcement officers with outside investigations concerning students attending the school(s) to which the School Based Law Enforcement Officer is assigned. To provide security for special school events or functions, such as PTA meetings, at the request of the principal or the Safety Manager and as approved by your Chain-Of-Command (Chief). DUTIES Basic DUTIES OF SCHOOL BASED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

Confer with the principal to develop plans and strategies to prevent and/or minimize dangerous situations on or near the campus or involving students at school-related activities.  Know school Emergency Operations Plans and Procedures.  Know results of last safety and security audit.  Know your campus inside and out. DUTIES Basic DUTIES OF SCHOOL BASED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

Perform duties as determined by the principal other than those regularly assigned to school personnel such as lunchroom or hall duty. (Nothing herein is intended to preclude the School-Based Law Enforcement Officer from being available in areas where interaction with students is expected.) DUTIES Basic DUTIES OF SCHOOL BASED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

Abide by school board policy and applicable law concerning interviews should it be necessary to conduct formal law enforcement interviews with students or staff on property or at school functions under the jurisdiction of the School Board. You are a Law Enforcement Officer first and foremost sworn to uphold laws of this state as a licensed Texas Peace Officer. DUTIES Basic DUTIES OF SCHOOL BASED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

Take law enforcement action as necessary and notify the principal of the school as soon as possible; whenever practicable advise the principal before requesting additional enforcement assistance on campus and undertake all additional law enforcement responsibilities at the principal's direction. DUTIES Basic DUTIES OF SCHOOL BASED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

To be aware at all times of the responsibility to improve the image of the uniformed law enforcement officer in the eyes of the students and the community ROLE MODEL  Like it or not you are a “ROLE MODEL” for many of your students.  Respect for your brother and sister officers will be determined by the respect and professionalism you show the students. DUTIES Basic DUTIES OF SCHOOL BASED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

Questions and Discussion DUTIESBasic DUTIES OF SCHOOL BASED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

Presenter Contact Information 350 N. Guadalupe, Suite 140, PMB 164 San Marcos, Texas