Drug Dogs in Schools
Drug dogs are trained to actively and persistently sniff out illegal drugs in schools and other settings. In schools, the dogs are used to deter students from bringing drugs on campus. Students understand that they cannot really hide drugs, as a dog could be brought in at any time to search for drugs in the school, including lockers and backpacks. School officials usually must invite a police officer or drug dog handler in the school for a search.
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How It Works
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School officials can decide to notify students and parents that drug dogs will be used as part of a campus program to search for contraband. This is done so students and parents are comfortable with the program. Making sure everyone understands and knows about the program can help avoid complaints and lawsuits later on. If the program is met with strong opposition school administrators can decide to try to quell concerns, discard the program or move ahead with it anyway.
If the program is implemented, searches with drug dogs are done without advance notice. The dogs generally have no contact with students while a search is under way. Dogs can indicate they found drugs by either pawing at the location, or by simply sitting. In some cases, the dog's handler will let a school administrator decide how to proceed if the dog indicates it has found drugs.
Significance
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Some schools turn to drug dogs to either help reduce an existing drug problem or prevent one from occurring. A 2009 study by the Partnership for a Drug Free America found that marijuana and ecstasy use among high school students spiked 19 percent and 67 percent, respectively, when compared to the previous year.
Concerns are also rising over what appears to be a more casual attitude toward drug use. In 2009, 51 percent of teens surveyed indicated they enjoyed being high on drugs, compared to 45 percent in 2008.
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Other School Programs
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Aside from searches, drug sniffing dogs are sometimes used in other school programs. Dogs Against Drugs, Dogs Against Crime is an organization that works with schools to help educate students about the use of drug dogs. This non-profit, national law enforcement group also conducts drug prevention programs for students.
Considerations
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Some believe drug dog searches are too invasive. In May 2010, the American Civil Liberties Union called upon Gig Harbor High School in Gig Harbor to discontinue using drug dogs. The ACLU noted that student drug use should be curtailed, but treating all students as suspects is unfair. Instead, effective drug prevention programs should be employed, the ACLU stated.
The popularity of drug dogs in schools seems to be rising on the East Coast. The New York Times reported in 2009 that schools in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York are conducting more drug dog searches.
Warning
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According to the Long Island (New York) K-9 Service, no drug dog is infallible. Top performing drug dogs are about 85 percent to 95 percent accurate. This can present a potentially scary experience for students if a dog makes a false alert while searching for drugs. For example, administrators might question students before an entire locker can be searched and the presence of drugs is ruled out or confirmed.
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References
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