Pubdate: Fri, 21 Dec 2001
Source: Bucks County Courier Times (PA)
Copyright: 2001 Calkins Newspapers. Inc.
Contact: http://www.phillyburbs.com/feedback/content_cti.shtml
Website: http://www.phillyburbs.com/couriertimes/index.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1026
Author: Gwen Shrift

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.
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MAP posted-by: Beth