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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Prison drug dogs face schools ban
Peter Walsh Evening News, Norwich
Tuesday 16 Jan 2007 Sniffer dogs used to find drugs in police raids or at prisons may be banned from school education visits amid fears they may sniff out illegal substances on pupils or teachers. The move comes after a drugs dog from Norwich Prison set alarm bells ringing during a routine educational trip at Heartsease High School. Norfolk County Council said it is worried a pupil or teacher with traces of cannabis could be shamed and are reviewing its policy. Norfolk Police also said officers would not know what to do if a dog found a pupil or teacher in possession of drugs. In 2004 Norfolk police withdrew their own drugs dogs from schools because there were no clear guidelines and the force's dogs were so popular demand could not be met. Richard Price, Norfolk Police drugs liaison officer, said: “The kind of incident that could happen would put police officers in a very awkward position and we would seek to avoid that if possible. “We are looking for clear guidelines and a protocol so that every incidence would be covered.” Many headteachers believe the sessions are important to teach children the dangers of drugs but the possibility of an embarrassing incident is a concern to the county council. Norwich Prison drugs dogs have detected tens of thousands of pounds worth of drugs in the county in recent years and now its governor has been asked by the council to stop sending the dogs into schools. The Norfolk Criminal Justice Board said it has not made a final decision to stop using drugs dogs on educational visits. Rosalie Monbiot, cabinet member for children's services at Norfolk County Council, said the decision on whether to have sniffer dogs in schools was entirely down to the discretion of headteachers. “It is up to the individual schools as to how they operate their drug or alcohol polices,” she said. “Every school could have a slightly different policy - I'm a governor of several different schools and we all have our own drugs policies and sex education policies. “It's not a bad thing to introduce them (dogs) in order to raise awareness among children about drugs and the dangers they can do - they are very effective at sniffing out drugs and it sends out a very strong message.” But Mrs Monbiot said she could also see the problems that might arise if a dog was to sniff drugs on a child while at a school. “It would lead to that child being highlighted or bullied and that's unfortunate on the child, but if that school has worked it through and wants to have sniffer dogs on its premises then it's up to the school,” she said. No one at the county council was available for comment today. Do you think sniffer dogs should be used in schools? Write to Evening News Letters, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1RE, or email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk
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