DON'T ASSUME PRIVACY IN SCHOOL HALLWAYS

Drug detection programs in our public schools are a necessary evil
("Drug-dog program could start next year," Star-Bulletin, Oct. 8).

We should not encourage development of bad behaviors in the false
name of freedom of speech or protection from unreasonable search.

While a student has an expectation of privacy inside a wall locker
(which is his only to use - not his personal property), he certainly
does not have an expectation of privacy in the halls. If a dog alerts
on a particular locker while in the hall, that constitutes probable cause.

Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union says our educators
should not be subject to random drug tests. Yes, we are punishing the
majority of educators for the crimes of the minority. However, there
is clearly a drug problem in Hawaii. The National Education
Association would have provided an alternative plan if it had one.

Drug tests and dog patrols are not unreasonable searches, they are
the inspection aspect of an illegal drug prevention program that
includes education and law enforcement. Let's keep illegal drugs away
from our children.

Keith Besherse

Wahiawa