Poll: Should K-9s Be Used To Search For Drugs At Schools?

A presentation on how canines can be used to search for drugs will be held at the Newark Unified Board of Education's Tuesday meeting as part of a consideration on whether to allow drug-sniffing dogs on district property.

According to the board agenda, School Resource Officer Aaron Slater will present information about the Newark Police Department's K-9 Unit, which consists of two patrol teams. ( to learn more about the K-9 unit as presented in the department's Citizen Police Academy.)

A second reading and approval of the changes to the search and seizure policy that would allow drug-sniffing dogs is also on the board's Tuesday agenda.

If approved, "specially trained, non aggressive dogs" could be used to detect drugs.

The policy draft also states:

"The dogs may sniff the air around lockers, desks or vehicles on district property or at district-sponsored events. Dogs shall not sniff within the close proximity of students or other persons and may not sniff any personal items on those persons without their consent."

The board meets at 7 p.m. at the , 5715 Musick Ave.