One of the main points Fenwick emphasized was the fact that specific circumstances of an event change the outcome greatly. “It is very difficult to give generalities when talking about police action, as so many things are on a case by case basis,” Fenwick commented.

Fenwick covered many interesting topics, one of them being the rights of the police force. He spoke about the need for search warrants in many cases and also about exigency – any situation which grants officers the right of search and seizure without warrants or consent of the detained.

Principal Joe Bova was among the large crowd of attendees, always interested in what the students have to say. In this particular meeting, he was also able to contribute to the conversation, clarifying some uncertainties about the role of administration when it comes to student discipline.

Bova stated, “Less than ten percent of disciplinary actions on campus will involve the police.” He pointed out that administrative search and seizure is fully allowed under any instance in which there is reasonable suspicion.

The meeting was a highly productive and popular one, once again drawing a large audience. Many people came to have questions answered and got their answers. There was a great deal of information presented, all of which drew interest from the crowd and was important knowledge to possess.

Freshman Nick LoPiano commented that the meeting was “slightly confusing but informative. I learned a lot more than I expected to.”

PAAC members hope the success of the first meeting has set the stage for coming weeks. This search and seizure discussion is only the first part of a series in which students’ rights will be discussed and debated.

A debate on search and seizure will follow this coming Thursday at Lunch.