USE DRUG DOGS IN SCHOOLS
Copyright (c) 1997, The Idaho Statesman

Only four Meridian School District students have been
expelled for drug offenses this year. But the scuttlebutt
from students and police is that drug use is increasing.
The school district needs to find out just how bad the
problem really is.

An efficient and effective way to find some answers is
to use drugsniffing dogs. Canyon County has used dogs for
a couple of years. They work. Drug dogs are both an
effective way to find drugs which can be easily concealed
and a deterrent. The dogs, as pointed out by Canyon
County Sheriff George Nourse, don't miss many drugs.

So, any student thinking about taking drugs to school
might think again knowing that a search might take place
that day.

The drugdog proposal in Meridian is tied to a new
policy that specifically allows the district to conduct
random searches of lockers and desks. Boise also is
considering a new policy. Both should incorporate the use
of drug dogs in their antidrug plans.

But the introduction of drugsniffing dogs to schools
shouldn't be a confrontation. There are privacy issues to
be discussed. While no doubt a number of students perhaps
most would welcome the searches to reduce drug use on
campus, others may have some concerns.

School leaders, if the policy goes through, must explain
details and procedures. Drug dogs should be introduced as a
way to make schools safer. Searches must have a purpose and
not be a way to harass students. Dogs are a good weapon in
the war on drugs. Judicious use of the dogs and a
cooperative effort between school officials and students
will help to fight drugs.