Pubdate: Mon, 25 Nov 2002
Source: Surrey Now (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc., A Canwest Company
Contact:  http://www.thenownewspaper.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1462
Author: Donnie MacMillan
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n2119/a05.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

DRUG DOGS WOULDN'T INVADE STUDENTS' PRIVACY AT ALL

The Editor,

"War on drugs has opposite effect," the Now letters, Nov. 16.

My letter pertains to the controversy over the possible use of 
drug-sniffing dogs to search for drugs in public schools. This is not a 
violation of privacy, as some claim. A locker, or any other place where one 
may stash one's drugs in a public school is public property. If the police 
are to be denied access into schools to do their jobs, how can one justify 
allowing police into any other building? If the police were proposing 
random house checks that would be different. That would be a violation of 
privacy. Citizens of this country are guaranteed certain places of personal 
privacy, which are not to be in the public's eye. Only if it can be legally 
justified can police be granted entrance.

Public schools are the public's responsibility. Schools exist with the 
intention of providing the general public with education. In order to 
learn, one must be taught in a safe environment. I would much rather see a 
dog walking the halls being controlled by a police officer than see a 
student controlled by drugs walk my way.

I commend those involved who are working at finding solutions to the 
current societal problems. However, this will not solve problems 
surrounding drug use or limit its use. When someone deals with drugs, the 
majority of this time is spent off school property. There are many other 
places where one can sell and use drugs. Having drug sniffing dogs is a 
good way to limit use in schools, however, it alone will be a waste of time 
and money. To get to the root of the problem we must look at why one begins 
to use drugs in the first place. Keep coming up with innovative tactics, 
but don't put your mind or conscience at rest now. The problem is only growing.

Donnie MacMillan, Semiahmoo secondary
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D