Deming Public Schools is committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and positive learning environment. As part of this commitment, the district conducts student searches when necessary and in accordance with district policy. Below is a summary of the student search policy. The full policy is available by clicking the following link: https://policies.sparqdata.com/nmsba/browse/deming/deming/JIH
Student Searches – What Families Should Know
A search is defined as an examination of a student and/or their personal belongings by the school district. Students, their belongings, and school-assigned property may be subject to search while on school grounds, at school activities, or under school supervision.
Who May Conduct Searches
Searches may be conducted by authorized school personnel, including:
• School administrators and certificated staff
• School security personnel
• School bus drivers
School Resource Officers may assist only when authorized and when acting on behalf of the school.
When Searches May Occur
Searches are conducted to maintain school safety and may occur under the following conditions:
• Entry Screening: Students and their belongings may be screened upon entering school property using safety devices.
• Preventative Canine Searches: Trained canines may be used to detect prohibited items in selected areas and additional searches may occur if a canine alert is detected.
• Wand Searches: Individual students may be screened using a handheld device when concerns arise.
• Reasonable Suspicion: A search may occur at any time when there is reasonable suspicion that a student may be violating school rules or the law.
• General Inspections: Inspection of lockers, school buses, desks, and similar school property with or without students present for any reason, at any time, without notice and without consent.
Search of School Property and Personal Belongings
• Lockers, desks, and other school-issued storage are school property and may be inspected.
• Student vehicles on campus and personal belongings may be searched when appropriate.
• Searches of a student’s person or belongings will be conducted by an authorized staff member.
• Searches will be reasonable in scope and not excessively intrusive based on the situation and the student’s age.
Items That May Be Seized
School officials may confiscate:
• Illegal items
• Weapons or dangerous objects
• Items that disrupt the learning environment
Confiscated items may be returned to parents, released to law enforcement, or handled according to district procedures.
Important Reminder
The district has the authority to search and seize property when there is reasonable suspicion of a violation of school rules or law. These procedures are in place to protect the safety and well-being of all students and staff.
Deming Public Schools remains committed to respectful search practices that maintain a positive, safe, and secure learning environment for all students and staff. Please contact the district at (575)546-8841 with and questions or concerns.