Dog to Sniff Out Drugs in San Diego Schools

A drug-sniffing dog is the latest tool being used in the San Diego Unified School District to combat drug use.

But some parents are concerned, saying the dog is disruptive and isn’t a good way to build trust with police.

“I think for educators it’s extremely disruptive to their classes,” parent Stephanie Barnes said. “The days there’s an officer and a dog on campus, kids are too busy looking at the door and wondering if their class will be one of the random classes."

Students, however, say they think it’s a good idea and definitely needed.

The narcotics-sniffing German Shepherd named Blitz will be used on a regular basis at secondary schools district wide, according to a letter sent home to parents.

In the past, the San Diego Unified School District has contracted the use of drug sniffing dogs, but a board approved a grant, which helped the district acquire Blitz this year.

School police have conducted eight sniffs this year, including two at San Diego High School. Nothing was found, according to district officials.

“When we as parents aren’t with them,” parent Cathy Elwood said. “We expect school to protect them as much as we would. To eliminate anything negative with violence and drugs it sets a parent at ease."

SDHS parents will meet Monday with the school’s principal and a school board member to discuss their concerns.

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