Pubdate: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON) Copyright: 2004 The Ottawa Citizen Contact: http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawacitizen/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326 Author: Zac Ashraf DRUG SEARCHES ARE USEFUL WAY TO REDUCE CRIME IN HIGH SCHOOL Re: High school drug raids are insult to students, JUNE 12. Letter-writer Maggie Euteneier wishes desperately to find error in the ways of local law enforcement and her school board's policy toward providing a safe learning environment for all students. Unfortunately for would-be marijuana smokers in Ottawa high schools, her reasoning falls short of convincing. School boards have implemented regulations to keep our educational institutions safe. I am not sure who could interpret drug searches as contrary to that goal, other than marijuana users. I would opt not to have drug dealers roaming the halls of my school offering me an array of illicit substances. Ms. Euteneier alleges that certain classrooms were targeted and that students were persecuted based on suspicions. Is this not what happens in airports over North America and the world, and is it not an efficient method of uncovering those who break the law? I can recall being approached and sniffed by a drug dog countless times when I was travelling abroad and I was not offended at all. Searching does not represent a lack of respect: Police officers are simply doing their job and upholding the law. The school board has immense respect for its students and their learning environment, so much so that it implemented this policy. Under it everyone is innocent until proven guilty -- one is only guilty when found to be so in a Canadian court. Ms. Euteneier tries to convince the public that police are wasting money by fighting small crimes. Regardless of the scale of crime, all crimes should be fought, and drug possession in a school is no different. The police have a right to pursue any infractions of the law, regardless of whether the majority of the population breaks this law. Marijuana possession is still a crime, and as long as it remains so, police should pursue those who break that law, regardless of how many people are guilty. I do not understand how these investigations can be seen as unjust, as I would be happy to see my school cleansed of criminal activity. Zac Ashraf, Ottawa - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake