5131.7 - Weapons and Dangerous Instruments - Procedure

The County Superintendent of Schools prohibits students from possessing weapons, replicas of weapons, or dangerous instruments of any kind in school buildings, on school grounds or buses, or at any school-related or school-sponsored activity away from school unless written permission has been obtained from the County Superintendent of School or designee.

Weapons and dangerous instruments include, but are not limited to:

1. Firearms: pistols, revolvers, shotguns, rifles, “zip guns,” tasers, and any other device capable of propelling a projectile by the force of an explosion or other form of combustion.
2. Cutting and puncturing devices: dirks, daggers, knives with blades longer than three and one-half inches, folding knives with a blade that locks in place, or razors with an unguarded blade.
3. Explosive and/or incendiary devices: pipe bombs, time bombs, cap guns, containers of inflammable fluids, and other hazardous devices.

Any County Superintendent of Schools employee may confiscate any of the above devices and any other dangerous device, instrument or weapon, especially those defined in Penal Code 12020, including a black jack, slingshot, billy, nunchaku, sandclub, sandbag, metal knuckles, or any metal plate with three or more radiating points with one or more sharp edges designed for use as a weapon. An employee confiscating any weapon or dangerous instrument shall deliver it to the principal immediately. Depending upon the circumstances it may be appropriate to notify the local police to perform searches and confiscate weapons.

If an employee knows that a student possesses a weapon or dangerous device which has not been confiscated, the employee shall report the matter to the principal immediately, and the principal shall take appropriate action. When informing the principal about the possession or seizure of a weapon or dangerous device, the employee shall report the name(s) of persons involved, witnesses, location and the circumstances of any seizure.

The principal or designee may notify law enforcement authorities regarding the seizure or possession of other dangerous devices. All firearms and explosive devices shall be immediately released to local law enforcement. All other weapons or dangerous instruments shall be given to local law enforcement or the probation department as soon as possible.

The principal shall take disciplinary action which he/she determines proper in accordance with County Superintendent of Schools policies and procedures.

Approved: May 24, 1994