POLICE USE K-9 DOGS TO SEARCH STUDENTS' CARS, LOCKERS, BACKPACKS

Wicomico Schools Swept

SALISBURY -- Law enforcement dogs sniffed their way around five
Wicomico schools looking for drugs, weapons, ammunition and explosives
Thursday, marking the first of several planned searches.

The sweeps started as early as 8:05 a.m. with K-9 units from Wicomico
County and Worcester County Sheriffs' Offices and the Princess Anne
Police Department.

"The dogs showed interest in many lockers, and the dogs showed
interest in many cars," said Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis.

While the search didn't yield any contraband, students conceded drugs
had been stored in these areas at one time, according to Lewis.

Wicomico High School, Parkside High School, James M. Bennett High
School, Mardela Middle and High School and Choices alternative school
were searched. The dogs checked hallways, parking lots and unoccupied
rooms, according to county education officials.

"Children were all safe in place," said John Fredericksen, Wicomico
County superintendent of schools, in a written statement.

County school board officials called the move a way to "support
student safety" and a means to "work on coordination for law
enforcement for student safety matters." Yet Wicomico's top officer
said the surprise searches could be the answer to the increased number
of student drug arrests.

"These kids need to know their automobiles, backpacks and lockers will
no longer be safe havens for illegal drugs or weapons," Lewis said.
"They can expect the deployment of these K-9 regularly in the future."

Deputies found 16 bags of suspected marijuana in a student's locker at
Bennett High School on Monday, Lewis said, and the student is facing
criminal charges.

"We have a duty and responsibility to protect our children in school,"
he said.