Actually that isn't quite accurate, the policy is to generally not arrest for non-violent misd, repeated violations can be charged, it is also up to the officer whether or not to charge. I may not agree with the reasons for it down there, but I can't necessarily find fault with the idea itself. How many on here have complained about "zero tolerance" in schools. IIRC there was a student in IN that was arrested and prosecuted for accidentally leaving a shotgun he had used for hunting in the trunk of his car when he went to school. That is a felony in IN, but I seem to remember outrage over it on this site. A boy scout accidentally leaves a knife in his backpack after a camp out? Should he be prosecuted?
Here is a recent story from IN, 18 yr old with an LTCH accidentally brings his Glock 43 into school. Realizes it and informs the SRO and asks if he can be given a break. Arrested. Do you think that was the proper outcome? Do you think he should be expelled and prosecuted, or perhaps some lesser punishment may be effective?
Student gets felony charge after mistakenly bringing loaded gun to Griffith school: police - Post-Tribune
Might be different if that was done 39 times, or done in conjunction with a bunch of other things.
As far as I can tell that was a singular event.