SCHOOL BOARD CONSIDERS NEW SEARCH POLICY

Metal Detectors, Dogs Would Be Used To Prevent Drugs, Weapons From Entering
Schools.

CHINO --- Following the lead of other Southern California school districts,
Chino Valley Unified is considering a search and seizure policy that would
allow for the use of metal detectors and drug-sniffing dogs on campuses.

The school board is expected to vote Dec. 7 on whether to amend its
existing policy.

"It doesn't mean we will run out and start to employ these things
immediately," Deputy Supt. Frank Infusino said. "It just gives us the
flexibility to choose to if the need comes up."

Infusino said the suggestions were given to the district by the California
School Boards Assn. The agency provides local districts with information
about new laws and policies and can either suggest or require that
districts follow those policies.

The board discussed the revision of the search and seizure policy during
its Thursday meeting.

The changes include the addition of a mandate that searches can be
conducted if there is "reasonable suspicion." The proposed amendments would
allow the district to conduct random metal detector searches as a means of
keeping weapons out of its schools.

Board member Bobby Grizzle raised a concern at the meeting regarding the
use of drug-sniffing dogs. He questioned the wording of the amendment that
said the dogs would not be allowed to sniff "within the close proximity of
any students."

"What does that mean exactly?" said Grizzle, adding he would be concerned
about the dogs being in the presence of smaller children.

Infusino explained such dogs are trained to only search belongings or
lockers, not humans. If the dogs need to be brought into a classroom in
order to sniff book bags, then all the students would be taken outside. He
added these measures would most likely be used only at the junior high and
high school level.

If approved next month, Chino Valley Unified wouldn't be the first district
to use such safety measures. Fontana Unified started using drug-sniffing
dogs on its campuses this fall.

Parents and students interviewed at Chino High School on Friday were
supportive of the proposals.

Cindy Kline, whose son is a freshman at the school, said she liked the idea
of bringing in dogs to sniff out drugs.

"There's just too easy access for that stuff at the schools," Kline said.

Her son, Rodney, said he didn't like the part about the metal detectors
since it would be a hassle for students who wore metal belt buckles or had
metal on their shoes. But he didn't object to the dogs.

Parent Ralph Villegas said he would appreciate anything that increases his
daughter's safety.

"I know some parents probably aren't going to like it because they're
worried about the rights of their children, but considering how much is
going on these days in the city and at schools, it's a good idea," he said.