Search and confiscate policy

The recent outbreak of Covid-19 has made any risk assessment prior to a search more relevant.

In undertaking any dynamic risk assessment prior to a search, it is important to have in mind:

• what the purpose of the search is
• what the consequences would be of not undertaking a search

It would not be advisable to undertake a search when there are concerns that someone may have an infectious disease, including Covid-19, where the risk to yourself outweighs the need to search. Most situations can be resolved in some other way without placing yourself at significant risk by undertaking a search.

The use of legislation by staff to search a student is reserved for low level concerns and not as a tool for the investigation of criminal offences. Where there is evidence or information that would justify the involvement of the police, they should be contacted for advice.

The decision to search a student is one for the individual to make. There is no compulsion under legislation for you to do so. In a situation where the matter can be resolved in other ways such as the learner conduct procedures then all efforts should be made to take this course of action. If a decision is made to undertake a search, then physical contact, if any, should be to a minimum and with the appropriate personal protection equipment which is available through the college.