Law Enforcement Requests

Administrative Procedure B28 Procedure for Law Enforcement Requests. This procedure is designed to balance the college’s obligation to comply with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and the laws governing law enforcement requests and warrants. The procedure is also designed to ensure minimum interruption to classroom and college operations. It provides clear guidance on how to manage requests for student information while maintaining the necessary legal and privacy protections. Handling law enforcement requests can be a stressful situation, and this general procedure ensures that all parties involved are treated fairly and with respect.  

1. Initial Request: When a law enforcement officer requests information or seeks to speak with a student, ask for their name and affiliation. Inform them that someone will assist them shortly and direct them to a waiting area. Immediately notify the Administrator on Call (AOC) , dean of students, or administrator at your location. Where possible, have the law enforcement officer wait in a private area or nonhigh traffic space. This will assist in minimizing disruption to the college or unnecessary embarrassment to the student.  

2. Coordination and Guidance: The AOC, dean of students, administrator, or designee will take over the situation, either handling it directly or advising on how to proceed.  

3. Determine the Request: The AOC, dean of students, administrator, or designee will clarify what specific information is being sought.  

4. Warrant Present: If law enforcement presents a valid warrant for the student, the requested student information can be shared. EICC staff will determine the student’s on-campus location and inform them that law enforcement is requesting their presence. It is important to note that EICC is not responsible for escorting the student to law enforcement. Law enforcement should not be allowed to seek out the student independently on campus, as this could disrupt the campus environment.  

5. No Warrant Present: If no warrant is provided, only directory information can be shared with law enforcement. If a student has opted out of directory information, it cannot be released. EICC defines directory information as: name, address, telephone number, dates of attendance, class rank, email address, current enrollment status, awards/honors, activities/sports, height/weight for athletes, and full/part-time status. This information must be provided upon request unless the student has opted out.  

6. Notification to PR/Communications Team: If a student is detained or arrested on campus, please notify Erin Snyder or Johnna Kerres. Arrests on campus will likely generate media questions even if the incident/potential crime did not occur on campus.  

7. Student Lists: If law enforcement requests a list of students, the request should be directed to the registrar for review and handling.  

This procedure ensures the college adheres to both FERPA regulations and the legal requirements of law enforcement while maintaining the privacy and safety of all individuals involved.