DRUG-SNIFFING DOGS WILL PATROL SCHOOLS

Police Dogs Will Be Sniffing And Searching For Illegal Drugs This Fall In
Scottsdale Public High Schools.

The Scottsdale Unified School District governing board approved a proposal
on Tuesday night to bring the drug-sniffing canines into schools.

Most board members were enthusiastic about the move, saying it will at
least ensure that campuses remain drug-free.

"I'm excited to try this because I think it does send a strong message,"
said board member Molly Holzer.

Board member Eric Meyer cast the lone dissenting vote.

"As far as a deterrent, it doesn't deter drug use," he said, adding that it
only deters students from bringing drugs on campus.

He said educational programs such as Lions-Quest, the prevention and
character development tool that will start in the district next year, are
better options.

"We just heard about Lions-Quest, but how does this fit in with that
environment of trust?" Meyer asked. "What we're saying is that we don't
trust you."

Board member Karin Beckvar remained lukewarm about the decision, though she
ultimately voted for it. The school district would not be spending any
money to bring in the dogs, as the costs would be absorbed by the
Scottsdale Police Department, she said.

"I don't see that it's going to pay off huge benefits," she said. "As long
as the funding is coming from outside the district, I'm willing to live
with it."

A student would not be charged criminally if drugs were found by the dogs,
but would instead be referred for treatment. His or her parents or legal
guardians would also be notified.

The proposal for drugsniffing dogs came in response to a high-profile
report released in April by Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio that
documented a drug ring involving current and former Scottsdale students.

The report said that a ring run by illegal immigrants involved 146 Valley
students, teens and young adults, most of whom lived in Scottsdale.