School Security Guard and 17 Year Old Student

[baggedgp]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan



Hello,

Im currently employed with a private security company and have been assigned to a High school. I'm 25yrs old. Recently I have had a student that I have had conversations with a few times ask me if I would like to do something outside of the school. She is a 17yr old SR. I'm interested in talking to this person as she has a wonderful personality. I'm just concerned of legal issues with this. This would be strictly friends and nothing sexual. I have friends from the age of 16-40 but I'm just concerned about the issue of the school. I currently live in the state of Michigan

[ktm rider]

Well, if you are wondering if this is "wrong" there is a simple way to see if it is. Go ask her father if he would mind if you hung out with his daughter..... I think we all know the answer.........

[cyjeff]

And as long as we are asking folks, I would also ask your boss and the school resource officer.

If you say to yourself, wow, I will be lucky if they only have me fired... you have your answer.

Stay away from children. What kind of a perv works at a high school to pick up chicks?

[PandorasBox]

If you have to ask, just don't do it.

Look, for starters, you are there as Security, not to be friends with the teens. You are putting your job at stake.

Even if you just sat at the same table at Starbucks...you never know what rumors and innuendo's can start flying around, how they can affect both your lives. And you never know what accusations parents can make.

[cdwjava]

Having worked many years in education prior to law enforcement, I will venture to guess that there is some kind of rule about engaging in personal relationships with students - be it as friends or more.

And the poster who commented about the rumors hit it very much on the head. Kids will spread rumors faster than Star magazine! Your mere "friendship" could quickly become a sexual affair discussed in whispered comments in hallways until a principal overhears it. And, since your position is likely an "at will" type of employment, they can likely dismiss you for any inkling of suspected wrongdoing. Since your position of authority over students places them at risk, how long do you think it might be before they would hand you your pink slip if this rumor should appear?

No one says you can not be cordial, friendly, and polite with the students! But, keep the friendship (such as it is) professional, keep it at the school, and keep it in public view. The first time you and her go to have a chat in a room, in a lone hallway, or in a car, you're done. Likewise, try to avoid text chats via phone or computer. Keep it professional.

[LawResearcherMissy]

Having worked many years in education prior to law enforcement, I will venture to guess that there is some kind of rule about engaging in personal relationships with students - be it as friends or more.

I volunteer at Elder Monster's high school, and we have such a rule for volunteers. I'd be horrified and pretty pissed if there weren't one in place for the people actually being paid to work there.

My son has friends of all ages. But not one of them is also an authority figure in his school - such a relationship would be incredibly inappropriate, and would find me in the office looking for someone's head.

[KeyWestDan]

As the other posters have pointed out, such a relationship would be COMPLETELY inappropriate. I am sure it would violate school and district rules.

You can be sure, if you do it, the relationship will come out. Other students will know about it, then the administration will know about it. Then the police will know about it. These things never stay private for long.

You will be fired and I am sure they will find something to prosecute you for, and send you to prison with a sex offender tag for the rest of your life.

Start saving up your money now for a really good criminal attorney.

[cyjeff]

I volunteer at Elder Monster's high school, and we have such a rule for volunteers. I'd be horrified and pretty pissed if there weren't one in place for the people actually being paid to work there.

Not to mention the staff engaged to provide security and protection.

My son has friends of all ages. But not one of them is also an authority figure in his school - such a relationship would be incredibly inappropriate, and would find me in the office looking for someone's head.

My wife is a teacher and a coach.

At no time are the kids ever confused as to the relationship... they genuinely like and respect her... but realize where the line is.

When the line gets blurred, someone is gonna leave. I very much doubt it will be the student.

[earearear]

I agree with most of the other posters here.

Another idea: She's a senior. In five or six months, she will graduate and no longer be a student at the school you work at. Check your employment contract/school policy about fraternization with former students, but my guess is once they've graduated, they're no longer your charge. This might open a door, and it would be far less inappropriate.

I'd still ask the boss about it, but I think waiting until she graduates would be wiser than pursuing anything while she's still a student.