Pubdate: Wed, 02 Nov 2005
Source: Leamington Post (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 Leamington Post
Contact:  http://www.leamingtonpostandshopper.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3990
Author: Pat Bailey
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

SEARCH ENFORCES 'NO DRUGS' POLICY

Leamington Post - It was a typical day at Cardinal Carter Secondary School 
on Friday, until the announcement came across - the school was in 'lockdown'.

Five police officers (representing Leamington Police Services and two 
officers with the OPP Canine Unit), as well as two drug sniffing German 
Shepherds, roamed the halls, the classrooms, the washrooms and the change 
rooms in search of illicit drugs.

Viper, led by OPP Constable Frank Lauzon of Owen Sound, searched the change 
rooms and the portables.

Dozens of nervous students stood outside their classrooms as the dogs were 
led in.

While the students were caught off-guard - the administration was not. In 
fact, they had invited the police in to search for drugs.

Vice-principal Kevin Hamlin said they are taking a proactive approach to 
ridding their school of drugs. He said while some may disagree with the 
method, the majority of the students and the parents are in favor of the 
searches.

"We believe there's greater harm in not doing anything about it (the drug 
problem)," said Hamlin.

In his one-hour search, Viper became suspicious at one desk. A purse was of 
particular interest.

Hamlin was called over to search the purse. Inside he found a hash pipe and 
some residue which appeared to be remnants from the pipe.

All of the students were allowed back into the room once the search was 
complete - except the owner of the purse. She was escorted to the main office.

Hamlin said she would be given a minimum 10-day suspension. He said that 
would be determined after meeting with her parents.

The second group of searchers also found one suspicious package - it was 
found in the boys' washroom by one of the teachers helping in the search.

It was a little tin, very well organized - containing roaches and other 
drug paraphernalia.

While the owner of the drugs was not identified - the tin was seized by 
Community Service Officer Kevin O'Neil.

O"Neil said school administration should be given a tremendous amount of 
credit for their efforts in keeping drugs out of the school.

"We're not there to arrest anybody," said O'Neil. "We are there strictly to 
assist the school in helping keep drugs out."

Hamlin had mixed feelings about the whole thing.

"You never want to celebrate at someone else's expense," he said. "But we 
have to discipline students who bring illegal substances or paraphernalia 
to school."

"I think our students are getting the message," he added. "We have seen a 
noticeable decrease in reports from staff and a noticeable drop in the 
number of suspensions because of drugs."

He said the students have been forewarned there would be unannounced 
searches - which will continue.

Hamlin said they are vigilant in their effort and will continue to do all 
they can to rid their school of drugs.
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