Other issues
What should happen when the police wish to interview a student at school?
The Police can take a student into custody immediately and interview them at the Police station.
However, most requests for access to students are not made under a legal provision requiring the school to cooperate immediately.
The Police should be able to provide the reasons they have for the request in writing.
Responding to a request
In general, it is the Board of Trustees' call. In practice, the request is likely to be handled by you, the principal.
- When a request is received call NZSTA for advice.
- Delay any response until you have taken appropriate advice.
- You may also need to consider if and when parents or caregivers are informed.
NZSTA or a lawyer approved by your school insurer can help assess:
- the validity of the reasons given by the Police
- the risks of releasing any personal information
- the factors you may wish to consider when deciding how you will respond.
Oranga Tamariki can also exercise emergency powers to take a child into care. You should be able to sight official documentation proving this.
Youth Law provides information for students regarding their rights and responsibilities when interacting with the Police.
Youth Law website
Updated: June 2012
