CONTRACT WOULD PUT DRUG-SNIFFING DOG IN JEFFCO SCHOOLS

The Jefferson County school board could approve at its Aug. 24 meeting
a three-year contract with the Sheriff's Office to provide a drug dog
to patrol school hallways.

Superintendent Phil Hammonds described the proposed agreement Tuesday
as a "proactive deterrent" with a "dog dedicated for use in schools."

Sheila Jones, school finance director, said the system would pay the
sheriff's department a one-time fee of $15,200 followed by annual
payments of $10,200. The system also would provide the dog a daytime
site, probably at a school, where it can rest.

She stressed that the proposed contract reflects the school system is
"not buying the dog, but purchasing security services."

The dog, under the terms of the contract, would go home at the end of
the day with a sheriff's deputy.

"It would reside with the handler," Hammonds said.

Sgt. Randy Christian, Jefferson County Sheriff's Department spokesman,
said the school's drug dog will be different from most drug dogs that
are trained to sniff for drugs quickly in a vehicle or residence.

The tedious task for a school drug dog, he said, is going down long
hallways, checking lockers and walking around parking lots, checking
vehicles.

"It takes a special kind of canine to be able to do that without
giving up," Christian said, "and docile around school children."

The dog's patrol, Christian said, would be up to the school board
itself and Hammonds.

"It's going to be a great tool for us," Christian said, "and a great
tool for the school system."