BOARD PANEL TO DEVELOP DRUG DOG POLICY

The board wants guidelines for the use of drug-sniffing dogs, which are
proposed for use in schools by next fall.

The school board took another step last night in the process of bringing
drug-detecting dogs into schools, possibly by next September.

Board members indicated they want the policy committee to draft guidelines
for use of the canines, such as when the dogs would patrol. Superintendent
Tim Kirby said the animals would help prevent drug use in schools.

At a later date, Council Rock may consider hiring Interquest Detection
Canines of Eastern Pennsylvania, a Wrightstown-based company, to patrol
school buildings several times a year. The company has been hired to do
drug sweeps in the Central Bucks School District.

Kirby said if the dogs are approved for Council Rock, administrators would
update student handbooks and make sure kids and parents know the animals
will be used.

Interquest is expected to cost between $3,000 and $4,000 a year. Under
questioning by board members, Kirby said the Bucks County Intermediate Unit
studied procurement of canine drug detection services and concluded no
comparable service is available from public entities locally.

Interquest canines would check cars, lockers and other areas for evidence
of alcohol, street drugs and prescription drugs. The dogs are not allowed
to search people, according to to the company. Any contraband that turns up
is handed over to school authorities.

In the past, police who work with local K-9 units said their dogs also are
available to sweep schools for drugs.