Police – Department Protocol on Reporting Criminal Activity

Policy

This policy outlines the protocol that operates between the department and Victoria Police when a crime is alleged to have been committed by students at school, travelling directly to or from school, or during school activities.

Summary

• The protocol between the department and Victoria Police operates where a student is alleged to have committed criminal activity that:
  • occurs at school, travelling to or from school, or during a school activity
  • could seriously threaten the safety, security, or wellbeing of any person or property that the principal is responsible for.
• The protocol provides that principals must ensure the matter is referred to Victoria Police and notify parents/carers unless instructed by police to the contrary.
• On receipt of a report made under this protocol, Victoria Police are responsible for determining the appropriate action to take and advising and updating the principal as required.

Details

The department and Victoria Police have agreed on the following protocol.

Schools must abide by the protocol in relation to crimes alleged to have been committed by students:

• at school
• travelling directly to or from school
• during school-sponsored activities.

The protocol between the department and Victoria Police covers any alleged criminal activity that could seriously threaten the safety, security, or wellbeing of any person or property for which the principal is responsible. This includes:

• assaults
• assaults with weapons
• sexual assaults
• possession of weapons
• use, possession or distribution of drugs
• theft or criminal damage
• cybercrime offences, including:
  • unauthorised modification of data, including destruction of data
  • unauthorised impairment of electronic communications, including denial of service attacks
  • creation and distribution of malicious software, such as ransomware and viruses
  • dishonestly obtaining or dealing in personal financial information.

Principals are required to:

• refer all alleged criminal offences as listed to Victoria Police. If in any doubt, obtain advice from the police contact person
• notify parents/guardians unless instructed by police to the contrary.

The police contact person, station sub-commander or sub-officer nominee are responsible for:

• investigating and deciding whether an offence has occurred
• initiating appropriate police action
• providing advice to principals when requested
• notifying principals when a student has been charged with an offence:
  • against another person who was the principal’s responsibility at the time of the offence
  • against property for which the principal is responsible
• assisting schools to safeguard student welfare by informing the principal of:
  • any action taken
  • the result of information received
• referring information received concerning a criminal offence requiring investigation to:
  • the district or regional crime coordinator for attention and referral
  • State crime squads, if necessary.

Related policies

• Crime Prevention in Schools
• Reporting and Managing School Incidents
• Police and Child Protection Interviews

Relevant legislation

• Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic)
• Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic)
• Health Records Act 2001 (Vic)
• Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic)