DRUG-SNIFFING DOGS IN SCHOOLS BACKED

EDMONTON -- Learning Minister Lyle Oberg is leaving the door open for more
school boards in Alberta to use dogs trained to detect drugs in schools. He
said while his department has no authority to enforce a province-wide
policy, he would have no problems if boards adopted the idea.

"It can go ahead," said Oberg, adding he and Solicitor General Heather
Forsyth will look at funding drug-sniffing dog initiatives.

Already, the Greater St. Albert Catholic school division, the St. Albert
Protestant Separate School board, and the local RCMP detachment have a
five-year-old protocol in place.

"We have had some expulsions," said Barry Wowk, a deputy superintendent
with the public board.

He said the drug-sniffing dogs show up in schools unannounced, and if drugs
are found, the police seize them.

The students are handed over to the principals for disciplinary action, but
no criminal charges are laid.