drug search at school

[hahaRainbow]

Is this legal? my ds has come home from school (state comp) where (he says) during a science class, a teacher arrived announcing that 'this is a drug free school and now we are going to have the sniffer dogs in'.

Apparently the kids were then lined up while a dog ran up and down sniffing them and another dog sniffed the classroom.

of course I'm not happy about drugs at school but I do wonder about the legalities of this and what IF a kid had been caught.... am I wrong to be worried?

[SoupDragon]

I say good on the school. I would be delighted.

No one was singled out, it was a whole school sniff.

[PiperIsTerrysChoclateOrange]

Worried about what.

there must a big problems with drugs in school for the headteacher to warrant this approach.

[CrystalHaze]

What legalities are you concerned about? None of the children were physically searched, they were just sniffed by a well-trained dog in a controlled exercise.

[LaChatte]

Oh how I wish they could do this at our school, they'd think Christmas had come early. Sadly it's illeal here in France, not sure about in the UK though.

[TywysogesGymraeg]

Great idea. Will put the heebie jeebies up any actual druggies.

[Mostlyjustaluker]

Teachers are allowed to each children's bags in appropriate items. I would imagine if drugs were found the school would follow their policy which would probably include sanctions from school and contacting the police.

Why would you not want them to do this?

[PiperIsTerrysChoclateOrange]

I would hope any pupil who does have drugs on them gets a referral for young drug abuse clinics.

[WorraLiberty]

I can just imagine parents complaining their kids are scared of dogs

I wouldn't have a problem with it at all

[partialderivative]

As a previous poster asked; what are you worried about?

[DoubletheRage]

I think it's a great idea, but also that it's more likely to have been a demonstration than an actual search, unless there is a massive drug problem at the school.

But, I don't know why you'd be worried - except that DS might be at a school with a massive drug problem.

[sortyourshitout81]

Would you rather pupils brought their weed into school with them op? As used to happen at my school in case their mum found it at home? Your school is being proactive-unless you are pro drugs and pro the pupils bringing them in then you should be supportive.

[McPie]

Nothing to hide = nothing to be worried about!
A dog sniffed them and nobody laid a finger on them so I cant really see the issue here. Well done to the school for tackling this illegal activity in such way and hopefully it will be a deterrent for anyone who actually does use/sell at the school.

[SnowWhiteAteTheApple]

Why are you worried if its legal? I'd be more worried that there may be drugs in school.

[OddBoots]

A child is less likely to be caught with drugs if there aren't drugs on offer in school in the first place. It sounds like a good idea to keep on top if it all in a way that doesn't single anyone out or invade privacy.

[Gileswithachainsaw]

Sounds like they have gone about it in the least invasive way possible. no bag searched port pat downs. I say good on them.

drugs kill. why would you want them in a school potentially being sold to your child.

[Bunbaker]

YABU. We have a zero tolerance drugs policy at our school and when a couple of year 11 students were caught dealing drugs they were permanently excluded.

I don't understand what your problem is unless you think your DC are carrying/dealing drugs.

[TheFecklessFairy]

You're worrying about the 'legalities'? I would be thankful they are actually searching for drugs!

[steff13]

I believe that it's legal here in the US.

[Raahh]

This happened in ds's school today. Either it is a new initiative, or he goes to the same school, OP.

I doesn't bother me, I think it is a good idea.

[Floggingmolly]

Ours have random bag searches for mobile phones (banned). I've never wondered if it's legal. I'd imagine it is.

[Bakeoffcakes]

They started this at my DDs school several years ago and have done it at random times ever since.

It doesn't mean there's a big drug problem with drugs at the school. At my DDs there's wasn't a problem at all. Thinking the police may come in at any time with sniffer dogs, keeps it that way.