Canines to sniff out contraband in Oakdale schools

Canines to sniff out contraband in Oakdale schools Image

Superintendent Marc Malone said the last time the district brought dogs on campus was in 1999. He said there was no particular incident that spurred the decision to bring the dogs back.

"There's not been a rise (in incidents), but it's been a consistent number," he said, "which is not a number we are comfortable with. There also is a general belief that we need to do better regarding the student use of drugs and other items not allowed on campus."

Malone on Thursday did not have any statistics on the number of times students have been caught with contraband.

Interquest will have one of its dogs on the high school and junior high campuses this morning as part of demonstrations for students. The dog also will take part in an evening demonstration for parents at the junior high.

Interquest held a demonstration at the December school board meeting. Malone said the district has not received any complaints regarding the use of the detection dogs.

"All the comments we've gotten so far have been really, really positive," he said.

Parents with questions can call Larry Mendonca, the district's director of student services, at (209) 848-4884. Tonight's demonstration for parents starts at 6 p.m. in the junior high gymnasium, 400 S. Maag Ave.

Bee staff writer Kevin Valine can be reached at kvaline@modbee.com or (209) 578-2316.

Canines to sniff out contraband in Oakdale schools