When students go to college for the first time in Pennsylvania, they might be afraid of what to expect, especially if they haven’t spent a lot of time away from home. There are new people to meet and new places to visit. Of course, colleges have a desire to keep students as safe as possible. This is why they have contracts with security companies and campus police.
If there is an encounter with a security guard or police officer on a college campus, the student has rights just as someone has who isn’t on the campus. One question that many students have is about the validity of a campus officer. Most campuses have guards or officers who have worked in a police department in the past. Many are working on the campus part-time while also working for a police department.
After being approached by a campus officer, a college student can remain silent about college student crimes and not answer any questions until an attorney is present. Furthermore, a student can demand to see an attorney during the questioning process. Some schools ask that students cooperate with an investigation if the student isn’t being charged with a crime. An attorney can determine if the student’s rights have been violated in any way after being questioned and if the officers are true legal professionals or simply guards hired by the school.
Unless an officer or guard has probable cause, a dorm room can’t be searched while a student is at school. Students can also refuse a search of the room without proper documentation from a court of law. Students should keep in mind that staff and administrators can sometimes inspect the dorm rooms to determine if there is anything illegal taking place before making an official report.
As young adults, some college students may not understand all their legal rights. An attorney could look out for the best interests of a client and help them through any college-related legal issue.
