446.2   Canine Search

It is the policy of the Plymouth School District to maintain a drug free and healthful school environment.  In an effort to protect the health and welfare of its students, the Board of Education authorizes the use of trained canines on school property, to detect the presence of controlled substances in school buildings and on school properties.  Canine searches will be scheduled at the discretion of the Superintendent or designee.

Canine Searches will be used when:

·         there is reasonable suspicion that controlled substances may be in a school   district building, but at unknown locations.

·         there is a belief that a random preventive search will be beneficial to ongoing drug prevention efforts.

Canine searches will include, but are not limited to, the exploratory sniffing of the outside of lockers, vehicles parked on school property, and any other areas of school property deemed appropriate by the Superintendent or designee.  Canines may be used without prior notification to students and/or school personnel.  A positive reaction by a trained canine will provide reasonable suspicion for a search of the locker, vehicle, or other property of a student.

A student is subject to disciplinary action by the school administration and possible law enforcement action, if controlled substances are discovered and possession is attributed to the student.  Any items seized during a search by school officials will be safeguarded until appropriate authorities have made a decision on disposition of the items.

Approved:      10-21-08

Revised: