Our Request Includes:

1. Creation and adoption of clear school-wide protocols for managing instances when non-local law enforcement seeks access to a school or information about a student.

2. Mandatory training for school staff and administration to ensure they understand the proper procedures and their legal rights and responsibilities.

3. Communication of these protocols with families so that the community is informed, empowered, and aware of how student rights and safety are being protected.

We recommend using guidance similar to the ACLU recommendation for non-local Law Enforcement, implemented by the Middletown School District and the New York City Department of Education, to ensure both safety and legal compliance:

General Process for School Staff:

1. The school safety agent or front office staff should immediately alert the school principal or designee and politely ask the officer to wait outside the building.

2. Staff must not provide any information about an individual student, family member, or school employee. Communication should be limited to connecting the officer with the school principal.

3. School personnel must not permit access to the building or provide information without legal approval. The school district does not consent to non-local law enforcement entering school facilities without appropriate legal guidance.

General Process for Principals:

1. Gather Information:
• Name and badge/ID number of the officer

• Supervisor’s contact information

• Reason for the visit

Contact Superintendent immediately

2. Escalate to Legal:
• Request all supporting documentation from the officer (e.g., subpoena, warrant)

• Inform the officer that no action can be taken until legal counsel is contacted

• Contact the superintendent who will contact district’s legal representative or Senior Field Counsel (SFC) for further instructions

3. Await Further Guidance:
• If instructed not to comply:

• Inform the officer of the directive from the superintendent and legal counsel and ask them to leave school premises

• Notify the student’s parent or guardian and the superintendent after the officer departs

• If the officer refuses to comply, do not intervene physically. Contact law enforcement and the superintendent for assistance.

• If instructed to comply:

• Follow instructions precisely and document all actions taken

• Notify the parent or guardian per legal counsel’s advice

• Complete an Online Occurrence Reporting System (OORS) report using code N24 unless the request is solely for information under subpoena

Why This Matters:

Clear and consistent procedures will:

• Protect the safety and rights of students, families, and staff

• Ensure legal compliance and reduce the risk of liability

• Increase transparency and trust between schools and the community

We believe it is critical for all schools in Orange County to be proactive, not reactive, in preparing for these situations. Our children’s safety and civil rights must remain a top priority. These protocols reflect best practices advocated by legal experts and civil liberties groups such as the ACLU, and have been successfully implemented in school districts like NYCDOE and Middletown, NY.

We urge decision-makers to adopt this policy framework and immediately begin training staff and informing families by posting your Non-local Law Enforcement Protocols on your district’s website.

Model Policy to Protect Immigrant Students’ Right to Attend School - NYCLU

Model Policy to Protect Immigrant Students’ Right to Attend School (Spanish) - NYCLU