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Interagency Procedures for Handling Fights in Schools

Fighting causes widespread disruption, and serious consequences result for anyone who chooses to fight at school, on the school bus, or at a school-sponsored activity.

A first fight occurs in grades K-5:
1. School notifies parents of the fight. Parent must pick up their child and meet with administrator.
2. Short term suspension (1-5 days) may occur.
Law enforcement is called for students in grades 6-12 who fight, and for second or subsequent fights in lower grades. Law enforcement may be called for serious offense on first occurrence at lower grades. Other actions:
1. School notifies parent and law enforcement
2. Administrator may suspend up to 10 days in addition to arrest
3. Seriousness of fight may require long-term suspension/expulsion, which requires a due process hearing
4. Police take the student to jail

Students under age 17:

School makes complaint to Department of Juvenile Justice
School staff accompanies student or is available by phone for information
Department of Juvenile Justice processes complaint
Child is assigned intake or court date
Possible consequences: supervision fees assessed to parent, up to $100; probation

Students age 17 and up:

Complaint filed by school official
Officer makes incident report
Student is arrested, taken to jail
School staff accompanies student or is available as a witness
Court date is set (State, Municipal, Superior)
Possible consequences: fines, probation

NOTE: Special circumstances may call for changes in procedures, with consideration for the best interests of all individuals involved. Participating agencies: Tift County Schools, Department of Juvenile Justice, Tifton Police Department, Tift County Sheriff’s Department, Alternative School.

(Effective as of November 1993, revised June 1999)