New Law Will Notify Arkansas Schools of Students’ Criminal Pasts

New Law Will Notify Arkansas Schools of Students' Criminal Pasts

A new Arkansas law aims to help school districts by notifying them of the criminal records of students transferring into their schools.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • April 25, 2019

A new Arkansas law aims to help school districts maintain school safety by notifying them of the criminal records of students transferring into their schools. Act 647 was approved by legislators in March.

Act 647 will make more information on the background of transfer students available to schools, with the purpose of providing support for the students and to help campuses ensure safety.

"The more you know about any student that comes into your district, the better off you are," said Rick Schaeffer, Communications Director for Springdale Public Schools. "Safety for your kids is the first concern any administration has."

Prosecutors are already required to notify a school district if a juvenile student is convicted of an offense involving a deadly weapon, kidnapping, battery in the first degree, sexual indecency with a child, sexual assault, or unlawful possession of a handgun. Under Act 647, prosecutors will also have to inform the new school district if a student transfers.

"You can provide whatever extra services are necessary,” Schaeffer said. “We do have social workers in our schools, we have counselors in our schools, we can certainly give whatever extra attention is necessary."

Prosecuting Attorney Nathan Smith said he was surprised the law passed because there’s no automatic process where the state becomes aware that a student is transferring schools or districts.

"The policy goal, I think, is a good goal. The implementation of it will be difficult, if not impossible for some cases," Smith said. "The problem there is that we simply do not have the knowledge of a student transferring schools in the midst of a prosecution any more than we would have the knowledge of an adult changing jobs."

Smith said changes will have to be made to the law for it to function as desired.

"If it's something that school districts need in the future, we probably should amend the law in the future to make sure we achieve the goals set out by the law," Smith said.

Act 647 will go into effect this summer.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Campus Parking Problems: Modern Security Solutions

    Parking: for many, it’s an everyday fact of life. Whenever we drive somewhere, we must consider parking, and often, that parking experience sets our mood and expectations for the rest of the journey. Whether a quick grocery store pickup or long-term airport parking, the parking lot is an integral part of whatever type of campus you’re visiting. This includes destinations like retail stores, your local high school, hospitals, and the park-and-ride systems present in major cities. Read Now

  • The Critical Need for Naloxone on School Campuses

    The opioid crisis is escalating across the United States, increasingly affecting all segments of the population, including students on K-12 and college campuses. As the threat from opioids, especially fentanyl, becomes more widespread, it's critical for schools to have naloxone available—an antidote for opioid overdoses. This article discusses why naloxone should be as common as Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in educational settings. Read Now

  • Best Practices for A Holistic Approach to Video Solutions in Campus Security

    Video surveillance is one of the most common security measures implemented by educational institutions today, but installing cameras is just the beginning. Adopting a holistic, comprehensive approach to video surveillance is a more effective way to safeguard campus communities and fully realize the value of your investment in physical security systems. Read Now

  • Back to School Planning is a Year-Round Commitment

    With summer underway, K-12 and college students, faculty, and staff are taking a well-earned break to recharge and gear up for the fall. It’s also the season when security professionals can get in and get busy installing upgrades and retrofits before the new school year starts. It’s a brief window, but, thanks to diligent planning throughout the year, the pros are always ready to hit the ground running at the last bell of spring term to make the most out of the limited time available. Read Now

Most   Popular

Webinars

Whitepapers