PLAN FOR DRUG-SNIFFING DOGS IN SCHOOLS STILL ALIVE

SURREY -- If Surrey school trustees want drug dogs to sniff school lockers,
they'll have to hire a private security firm at a cost of roughly $50,000 a
year because the RCMP can't spare the officers or canines.

Theresa Campbell, manager of safe schools for the Surrey school district,
said Surrey RCMP told staff in November that the detachment can't afford to
partner with the school district on the proposed drug dog initiative.

But that doesn't necessarily mean the proposal is dead. Campbell said
trustees still have the option of hiring a private security firm to do it.

"We haven't dismissed it at this time. We just need to take a closer look
at it now that it's very clear that if we are going to pursue it, it's
going to have to be through a private security firm."