Attacked at School Part! JEFFERSON COUNTY TEACHERS ASSOCIATIO: ax) * wwnajeaary + Now 20 ATTACKED AT SCHOOL Part! Editors note: This isthe frst of@ two pert series wittan by Don Meade ‘and Tom Schulz, the aliomeys thal reprasent JCTA and ts mombers There is nothing more tightening to a classroom teacher than to be trapyer! ina situation with & student who has become threatening o violent against te teacner or other students, Teachers ‘an be injured while managing clstuptive behavior or when aggression is cicactad ageinet them. The purpose of his aticle is to expiain the right, responsitilites, and options that all teacher should know in order tp protect themselves POLICE INVOLVEMENT OPS policy states dat the prinopal shouid contact law enforcement for acts of vnlence, (Code of Acceptable Behavior and Dispine.) The District and Metro Police have a Memorandum sf Agreement which siatos the principal wil noufy law enforcement only in sitvabons where an as: ‘seul has cocuired and immediate htervention is needed to control the stuation Othonwee Principals are to contact the Investigations Oifice first and let it handle the follon-u, GTA supgotts tis protocol as the best practice and rosemmends fellowng the DsUle’s prove: dure by handing tho situation frst withthe principal. Yet experience nas show that often foachers must be assertive about ther rghts to be protected in assault situations, to courtor the natural tendency of princpals and the Distet to nat involve law enforcement, aid often the mada. In emorgoncy situations, or whcrs the principal has demonstrated a disregar¢ for teacher protection, you have the legal right to cat 91 1 and ask for police assistance # under ot ‘kor ijured by the assault ofa student. The teachor hae the right 0 call re pie ifthe prin Cipal refuses to de £0. The teacher has the right to press eriminal charges against the student and lobe assisted by the cist mn dong 60. The teachers interests, as a victim of sevnutt Should not take a backseat to eithar the acministiatve procese o” the interests of tho volent Student. Tho feachor has a right fo talk with aw enforcement and to be interviewed on school property about te incitent FILING CRIMINAL CHARGES The teacher must fillout a STUDENTEMPLOYEE INCIDENT REPORT FORM. The fom ree ‘Quires information about whether the teacher has bee injured, whether the police were called, 2 report taken and whether the teacner wants to press formal charges. This form is fervarded {o the Investigatons Unit for folowr up. JCTA recommends folowing thi process. Yet thre feacher has aright to report the ater tothe police and to press foal charges regerciess of \whother the principal or dstriet suppors the action. The principal has the responsibilty fo con. {act the police ifthe student caused. or aitempted to causa, physical injury tthe teacher. or tf weapon was invoived. # iors ie any dispute, contact GTA immediatly Cortives K@ep this Doewmenx?