Drug-Sniffing Dogs Patrol More Schools

Are high schools students throughout America becoming surrounded by drugs? Recent incidents show that in several high schools throughout America, kids are walking around with illicit drugs in their backpack or leaving their drugs in their locks.  Several schools have taken steps in order to prevent the presence of drugs on their campuses. One would expect that the community would applaud such a decision by the school in order to combat the growing presence of illicit drugs. However, the response towards this decision by the school board has been viewed upon negatively not only by students, but also some parents.

At Norfolk High, a drug-sniffing dog was brought into the school while most students were sitting in their classes. Within 13 seconds, the German Shepherd was able to sniff out marijuana in one students locker. As the dog went on to another hallway, the dog smelled methamphetamine from another locker.  People claim however that these searches are illegal and may cause panic. Dalia A., a mother of four in central Queens, stated that “if the school is bringing in K-9 units to sniff out for drugs there is serious concern about drug use within school premises.” Dalia also stated that if she saw this happening at her daughters high school, she would have pulled her daughter out of school.

Many students are also complaining about this new policy because of the ineffectiveness of some dogs. My cousin Yuval, who currently serves in the IDF, serves in the “Oketz” unit. This unit is the special forces of the canine unit. The dogs in this unit are trained to sniff out explosives, mines, drugs, and even fights enemy combatants. Yuval told me that “Even the most well-trained dog cannot be 100% trained to sniff out anything. Sometimes there are mistakes but it is always necessary to be cautious.” In the article, there is a small section which talks about a girl, Kelsey Jones. A dog wrongly sniffed out her locker and she felt “extremely accused” because of what happened to her. “She recalled being escorted from class and forced to stand by her locker as an armed officer searched her belongings.” Although many people protest the use of these drugs, it is obvious that we can see drugs within some school premises. The question now is what is the necessary steps that must be taken in order to combat the presence of drugs within our schools premises.

Avok, Michael. “Searches at Norfolk High to Happen Twice a Month.” The Norfolk Daily News. Norfolk Daily News, 16 Feb. 2015. Web. 16 Feb. 2015.

Schweber, Nate. “Drug-Sniffing Dogs Patrol More Schools.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 21 Mar. 2009. Web. 16 Feb. 2015.