SNIFFER DOGS IN SCHOOLS KICK UP A POLITICAL STINK

The South Australian Opposition has announced a policy to make it
easier for police with sniffer dogs to gain access to schools.

The Liberal Party says too much red tape is currently involved in
allowing police to gain access to schools if it is believed that
students have brought drugs onto the grounds.

Under the Opposition plan, a school principal would be able to simply
request police to bring in a sniffer dog.

Shadow spokeswoman for education Vickie Chapman says the policy is
about deterrence.

"The only operation of this will be triggered by a principal
requesting police to come into the school, that is it's not a raid by
police, it's by the invitation of a principal who understands that he
or she has a problem in their school and they want it remedied," she
said.

"The students will understand that this is an avenue open to schools
and act as a deterrent, so that they get the clear message that drugs
and schools do not mix."

The Opposition says the plan is part of its policy of zero tolerance
on drugs.

The State Government says the opposition should be embarrassed by
today's policy announcement.

Education Minister Jane Lomax Smith says that based on her advice from
the Police Commissioner's office, the Liberal Party has announced
nothing new.

"Our advice is that it might be zero tolerance, but it's zero policy,"
she said.

"Any principal with concerns can of course invite police onto the
grounds and they do.

"Every day of the week police are on the school grounds, both involved
in curriculum and investigating certain matters in various
locations... so this is silly."

The Liberal Party says the policy was formed after consultation with
parents worried about drugs such as cannabis in schools.

The South Australian Democrats announced their drug policy on Friday,
which calls for less use of police sniffer dogs.

Party leader Sandra Kanck says the Government and Opposition are
taking part in an electoral auction on tough drug policies.

"It's really a case of the highest bidder," she said.

"They've done their polling, they know parents are concerned about
this and they're trying to outdo each other with, 'I can get tougher
than you'."