Questioning Students
Security guard Lee Wasdon, begins an investigation
September 27, 2009
Filed under Journalism
The situation is a familiar one to high school campuses, whispered questions, accusations, and other suspicious go from student to student. Events come under question, students are pulled out of class, and investigations start. Groups of security guards are seen roaming the campus, and eventually the story comes out. It could be stolen property, illegal activity, a group or single student under question. These are the common circumstances surrounding an investigation and the resulting student interrogations.
Desert Vista’s security staff, patrol the campus regularly, and administration always has one ear open for any pertinent information that could effect the safety of the students.
“It could be a tip from a teacher, student, or even parent,” says Christine Barela, assistant principle. “Abnormal behavior, body language, or anything else suspicious gives us reasonable cause to interrogate a student,” All staff members look for tell tale signs and follow a procedure for interrogations.
Security guards in particular adhere to procedure, as they are the ones who conduct interrogations and are commonly the first to deal with students if a behavioral issue comes under question. If an incident does arise security guard Lee Wasdon says “Its important that you don’t violate the student’s privacy.” Wasdon uses a technique he calls “Verbal Judo” a method he employs to talk to, relate, and calm down a student he may be interrogating.
Many tips alerting administration that an interrogation might be necessary don’t only come from teachers or Desert Vista staff, but from other students as well. Parents who may hear a conversation among their child’s friends that they find troublesome or important can be reported. It is unclear how many interrogations are conducted on a regular basis, not all claims hold merit as many staff members have found. But all are taken seriously; with eight security guards and a several thousand-foot campus it can take quite a bit of manpower to successfully investigate a situation.
“There have been no major incidences. ”Said Barela she made it clear that the sensational crimes or investigations one might want to gossip about are not a common occurrence here or simply not up for discussion.
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