What is required for school sniffs according to the established protocol?

For school sniffs, reasonable suspicion by school officials is required according to the established protocol. This standard allows school personnel to initiate a search based on a specific, articulable reason to suspect that a student may be in possession of contraband or illegal substances. It recognizes the unique environment of schools and the need for maintaining a safe learning atmosphere.

Reasonable suspicion is less stringent than probable cause, which would typically involve evidence suggesting that a crime has likely been committed. Additionally, school officials often have a responsibility to act in the best interest of student safety, and having reasonable suspicion enables them to exercise this responsibility without needing the higher threshold required in other legal settings. This protocol is designed to balance student rights with the necessity of ensuring safety and security in school environments.