Tiverton School Committe Approves Breathalyzer Policy For High School
Tiverton school administrators can now administer a breathalyzer test to students suspected of using alcohol at school-sponsored events.
In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, the Tiverton Shool Committee passed the breathalyzer policy to enable high school administrators to use the tests on students suspected of using alcohol.
In the policy's third reading since it was drafted in May, little discussion and no addition input from parents or students precluded the vote.
"The breathalyzer policy would allow administrators to press those students suspected of being under influence to take the breathalyzer," said Supt. William Rearick. "It is just an additional step for those students we already suspect are under the influence of drugs or alcohol."
Tests would be administered in private by either the Principal Steven Fezette or Vice Principal Jack McKinnon - both will be trained to use the equipment by Tiverton Police.
"This is about common sense and not just to be punitive," said School Committee Chairwoman Sally A. Black in an interview about the policy's goals on Sept. 13.
"It is all about prevention and support because with the students and children we are supposed to help them through these things."
Just like adults suspected of drunken-driving, students would have a right of refusal against the breathalyzer, but under the policy, which was proposed by the Tiverton Prevention Coalition. Results would become part of students' educational records and would not be reported to police for possible criminal action.
According to Rearick, refusing the test would not save students from disciplinary action.
"A student has a right to refuse to take the test, but that doesn't preclude the student from being suspended anyway based on other evidence," he said. The breathalyzer will be used a final step whenever other procedures suggest a student is under the influence. It will never be administered randomly to students at school dances or events.
Similar policies exist at public schools in Portsmouth, Middletown, Barrington, Chariho, Westport, Fall River and Somerset.
"As we all know the number one death for teens is traffic accidents," said Rebecca Elwell of the Tiverton Prevention Coalition, at a May meeting when the policy was originally suggested. "We want to prevent an event from happening."
In This article
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Tiverton Police Department
20 Industrial Way, Tiverton, RI -
Portsmouth School District
29 Middle Rd, Portsmouth, RI -
Town of Middletown Public Schools
26 Oliphant Ln, Middletown, RI
Joe Sousa
6:44 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
So if the kid refuses the test and decides to leave what authority do the Administrators have to detain them ? While this may be a noble goal it is not a correct method and could lead to a law suit. What is your legal council saying. Oh he gets paid to defend the School for the illegal detainment.
There should be an officer there to administer the test and detain if needed .
Just Another Taxpayer
8:20 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Which college did you get your law degree from?
Deborah Janick
8:24 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
The public was invited to review and comment on the draft prior to this vote. If you failed to do so, you do not have the right to criticize. I actually have a child at the high school and I support the policy. It is a matter of safety.
shannon rouse
9:30 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
this town and our schools are going way to far.. My sons will say no, call me and I will pick up. Drive ur children,where is ur matter of safety then. Its people like u who are driving this town into the ground.
Renee Cwiek
9:43 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Who cares....If you haven't been drinking and have nothing to hide, just take the test. What's the big deal.
Joe Sousa
9:42 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
I not only have a right .I have an obligation to make sure policies don't cost us thousands in law suits. Again I'll say if a police officer is not there the ACLU will be.
Renee Cwiek
9:44 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Did you go to the meeting Joe?
Justin Katz
9:51 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
45-minute debate about an official coach complaint-review process, two local media stories about breathalyzers. Nobody seems concerned that science scores barely moved at the high school and Pocasset or that they've been DROPPING since the test was initiated at Ranger.
Perhaps our priorities show in our results.
Just Another Taxpayer
10:24 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Mr. Katz, please enlighten residents as to what your plan is to improve Science test scores.
Erin Tiernan
12:07 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
I'm working on a NECAP story - given the content and continuing curriculum changes, it takes a bit longer to vet out so expect it this afternoon or tomorrow morning. I want to make sure it is as comprehensive as possible! I'll email a link to you once it is published.
Joe Sousa
9:52 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
I had work to do. Not that it matters I can read and watch on Blog Spot .I watched previous meeting where they discussed this policy. I understand the need but I also understand the law. A cop should be present because if a kid is drunk a law is broken. Failing to report it is a crime. The legal council should have advised them.
Renee Cwiek
9:53 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
I always forget about Blog Spot. Thank you for reminding me.
Joe Sousa
9:57 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
If kids know a detail cop will be on scene they might think twice before showing up intoxicated. I don't understand why the Committee believes otherwise
Just Another Taxpayer
10:27 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Joe, I realize you and Ruth Rachel have quite a bit of experience in dealing with law enforcement but it does not make either of you a legal expert. Joe did you attend last night's School Committee? That was the time to express your opinion. By the way have you actually read the policy?
Beelzebub
11:32 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
WHAT DON'T YOU SIMPLETONS UNDERSTAND ABOUT OUR PLATFORM...CUT THE TEACHER'S PAY AND INCREASE CLASS SIZES! Justin, Ruth back me up here, right? By the way, when they say don't drink the water...they mean DON'T drink the water!
James Arruda
12:32 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
I will just add some info to this discussion because of my personal experience.
Usually School dances have a detail cop there already. The dances I had to chaperon myself always had a detail cop there. I would imagine the Tiverton school dances would also have that in place already. I don't know for sure myself if they do that now, because it has been a while since my last Tiverton school dance.
Erin Tiernan
12:39 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Just a reminder that posts containing profanity - explicit or implied - will be removed. Visit the Patch Terms of Use for more information.
BristolRI02809
5:05 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Looks like Joe Sousa is back to his paranoia that everyone who posts against him is using 10 different screen names. Not much different than when Joe used a dozen or more screen names on the East Bay website, such as "Jethro" "crimeboss", "notorious", and "bikerhd1998", just to name a few.
By the way Joe, "notorious" was the screen name which most suited you.
BristolRI02809
7:41 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Joe-Don't forget Paul Doughty-You also accused him of multiple posts.
Powerful Forces
6:51 am on Thursday, September 27, 2012
I thought I had seen the worst of it with the current town council following (or making up) poor legal advise. Can you imagine the legal exposure the town would be subject to by electing someone like Joe?
Gloria Crist
9:08 am on Thursday, September 27, 2012
I think this is a wonderful proactive step for our schools. Middletown is having success with this policy and had Barrington had this policy in place-perhaps some lives would have been saved. There is teenage drinking going on-having a policy that can enlighten families and protect others is a step in the right direction.