The Ocean Springs School District recognizes that instructional and other staff may be called upon to intercede in situations wherein students may be displaying physically violent behavior. The use of excessive force or cruel and unusual punishment is prohibited. Any use of restraint will be preceded by the following verbal intervention:
- Order the student to desist in the behavior.
- Advise the student that they will be restrained if behavior does not cease.
If the student is non-compliant with verbal intervention, the staff member should, if physically possible apply any of the restraint techniques that have been taught by the District/Mississippi Department of Education or a form of restraint that is reasonable, prudent, and non-injurous. Staff is cautioned to use common sense and judgment, in responding to student altercations. Under absolutely no circumstances will restraint techniques be used as punishment. Staff may, however, use restraint techniques to control and restrain a student under the following conditions:
- The student is an imminent danger to himself
- The student is an imminent danger to others
- To prevent the destruction of property
- To move a student who does not comply
Restraint is to be applied until compliance is met and the student is no longer a danger. The student is to be removed from a public area immediately and appropriate response to the incident should follow.
Legal References:
MS State Code 37-9-69 General duties of superintendents, principals, and teachers
MS State Code 37-11-57 Immunity of school personnel from liability for carrying out action in enforcing rules regarding
control, discipline, suspension and expulsion of student.
ADOPTED: 08/08/2006