Flossmoor village officials have approved an intergovernmental agreement with Flossmoor School District 161 that formalizes how school administrators and police share information related to student safety, criminal activity and truancy, as permitted under state and federal law.
The agreement establishes a reciprocal reporting system between the district and the Flossmoor Police Department, outlining when information must be reported, what can be shared and which officials are responsible for communication between the two entities.
Village staff said the agreement updates a previously outdated policy to reflect current legal requirements and technological capabilities.
The agreement is authorized under the Illinois Constitution and the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act, which allow local governments and school districts to work together on shared public safety responsibilities.
Under the terms of the agreement, school officials are required to report certain incidents to police, including verified cases involving firearms, illegal drugs, forcible felonies and attacks on school personnel.
Police, in turn, are required to notify school officials when a student is detained, including the basis for the detention, the circumstances surrounding the incident and the status of the case, as permitted by law.
The agreement also allows for the sharing of limited information when there is an imminent threat to the safety of students, school staff or the broader community. In some cases, that information may be shared orally and is restricted from further disclosure except as allowed by law or court order.
Student and law enforcement records remain protected under state and federal privacy laws, including the Illinois School Student Records Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, with information shared only under specific legal conditions.
In cases involving truancy, the district may share attendance-related information with the village if doing so is determined to support intervention efforts and improve outcomes for students, while still complying with confidentiality requirements.
The agreement also includes provisions allowing police to access live school security camera feeds during a health or safety emergency to assist in real-time response.
Officials said the agreement is intended to improve coordination between schools and law enforcement while supporting both student safety and early intervention when issues arise.
The Village Board approved a resolution in May authorizing the agreement, which takes effect once executed by both the village and the school district.
