DRUG DOGS AREN'T JUDGE AND JURY

Re: School suspends teen on drug dog's say-so, March 27.

Although detection of the smell of marijuana might justify a search of
Chris Laurin's jacket and locker, it should not be the basis of his suspension.

These animals are investigators in our war on drugs, but they should never
become a judge and jury.

I had a similar incident occur when I travelled to Florida to visit with
family. A drug-sniffing golden retriever used by the U.S. customs
authority, identified my luggage to his handler during a drug search. I
almost missed my flight since I had to unpack every item in the bag in
front of the agent. As incredible as these animals are for being able to
identify drugs from minute traces of them in the air, they are not infallible.

After 30 minutes, the U.S. customs agent sent me on my way. The search
proved the dog had been wrong.

The high school principal should have done the same when a search of the
coat and Chris's locker proved him innocent. To have suspended him despite
a clean search was a terrible judgment call.

I applaud Chris and his family for not simply accepting the sentence and
fighting it. He deserves a formal apology for the incident.

Timon LeDain,

Ottawa