Pubdate: Fri, 27 Apr 2007
Source: Fiji Times (Fiji)
Copyright: 2007 Fiji Times Limited
Contact:  http://www.fijitimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3445
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

POLICE AS LAST RESORT

TEACHERS have been urged to resist reporting to police  incidences
where students are found in possession of  marijuana or sniffing glue.

Director secondary Suliasi Lutubula told principals  yesterday police
intervention in serious cases against  students should be the last
resort.

He said reporting complaints of marijuana abuse and  glue sniffing to
police would not do the student any  good.

"Use the disciplinary guidelines to save the student.  If the matter
is reported to police, their chances of  obtaining a scholarship will
be difficult because of  the red mark they have on their file," Mr
Lutubula  said.

"The onus is on you as head of the school. Be satisfied  that the
student has admitted his guilt. But take it to  court if you're not
satisfied and you spoil the  child."
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MAP posted-by: Steve Heath