Drug-Sniffing Dogs Back to Schools in Dublin

Dogs from Interquest Detection Canines-- specially trained to sniff drugs, alcohol and weapons-- are being brought back into Dublin schools.

According to a report in the Mercury News, the dogs will visit the high schools and middle schools.

In 2012, the Dublin Unified School District board of trustees voted 3-0-1 to reinstate the drug-detection dog program at its secondary schools. the drug-sniffing dogs to search Dublin High School, Fallon Middle School, Wells Middle School and Valley High continuation school a few times a year at no cost to the district.

The Mercury News reported that the plans changed, causing the district to contract with Interquest Detection Canines, after the Alameda County Sheriff's Office wanted the school district to sign a "hold harmless clause" to protect the Sheriff's office, should one of the dogs injure someone.

Greg Tomlinson, President of the Dublin Unified School District Board of Trustees, wrote via email:

"Creating and maintaining a safe environment in our schools is one of our most important responsibilities. Part of this is a comprehensive drug and alcohol prevention and awareness program. Drug and alcohol detection dogs are a deterrent and part of this program."

The Wells Middle School handbook online lists drug-sniffing dogs as a tool that can be deployed in the schools to protect the students' safety.

"With this goal and the health and welfare of our students in mind, drug sniffing dogs may be employed at any time to patrol halls, lockers or school grounds. P.E. lockers are school property and may be searched at any time."

The Interquest Detection Canines website says the dogs are able to detect gunpowder and can help in "minimizing the presence of illegal drugs and abused medication."