Pubdate: Mon, 05 May 2008 Source: North Bay Nugget (CN ON) Copyright: 2008 North Bay Nugget Contact: http://www.nugget.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2226 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n431/a08.html Author: Bill Taylor IN DEFENCE OF DRUG-SNIFFING POLICE DOGS The mandate of the police to serve and protect, the emphasis being on the protection of life. The Charter of Rights states we will be equal before the law, and will enjoy equal protection and benefit of the law. However the learned relics in our hallowed halls of justice do not see it that way. They would rather forget about protecting the clean kids and give questionable ones free entry into our schools. Considering the tragedies that have taken place in schools and other places of learning, to muzzle the drug-sniffing dogs in this day and age is foolhardy. Where does that leave the explosives-sniffing dogs at major airports or border crossings? I think one would prefer to have a backpack checked and find nothing rather than not have backpacks checked and allow drugs or weapons into the school. Better to err on the side of safety than not act at all. Our police are doing a good job with their hands tied behind their backs, as are our school staff. Bill Taylor Mattawa - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake