Plainfield Schools - Courier - Guard suspended after strip search

Published in the Courier News, Saturday, May 16, 2009, page A-8

Guard who searched student suspended

By MARK SPIVEY
STAFF WRITER

PLAINFIELD -- A female security guard at the city high school has been suspended after she strip-searched a 15-year-old female student who was falsely accused of stealing a cell phone, school and police officials said.

Police launched an investigation into the incident shortly after it happened on May 8, according to Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig, who said authorities determined no touching or sexual gratification was involved and, therefore, no criminal charges are pending. But Hellwig said he supported the school district's decision to suspend the guard, callin the situation "an overstepping of her bounds."

"Although it's not criminal, it's certainly an intolerable action," Hellwig said.

Schools Superintendent Steve Gallon III said the guard said the guard was suspended with pay immediately after the incident being reported, and added that a final decision on further action will be takend after school officials have an opportunity to review reports from police and the state division of Youth and Family Services, which conducted its own review.

Gallon said that based on preliminary assessments of the matter, he is recommending that the guard, whom he declined to be identified, be terminated.

"This allegation is something we take very seriously," Gallon said. "These alleged actions were taken outside any current appropriate procedures employ in regard to student safety."

Gallon said school officials have offered the student their support.

This item appeared in the print edition ONLY on Friday, May 16. Archived here.

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