“I was very, very shocked to learn we had dogs sniffing in schools, and even more shocked that there is a probation officer at Isbell; what kind of school are we running? Is it so bad that we need,” such measures, asked Trustee Ofelia de la Torre, who had asked that the issue be addressed by the board.Chief Gonzales said there is a problem on the campus, which is one reason a Resource Officer - SPPD Officer Michelle Velasco - is working for the high and elementary school districts. But the program also encompasses helping children that are victims of crime and provides students in general to interact positively with a law enforcer. “Every high school in the county has a full-time police officer on campus. . .it’s a sign of the times. Do I like it? No,” but the effort must be made.Several district teachers and administrators said the policy is a good one and does not negatively impact students, but one community activist said he is still concerned.“I was shocked when I learned what was taking place at Isbell,” in spite of his strong support of the police in stopping narcotic activity, said Latino Town Hall President Robert Borrego. “We’ve heard about the dogs and what they do and what the police does, but we have never heard what the kids or parents have to say,” about the drug searches. “Has anybody ever tried to determine,” the impact on students and have efforts been made to notify parents of the searches, he asked and urged that counselors talk to students about their feelings on searches.“It breaks my heart that kids are using and selling drugs,” said Isbell Principal Sheryl Misenhimer, but the searches are “extremely non-invasive” and were undertaken in response to a rising campus drug problem.After more discussion, de la Torre said that six students caught with drugs - by administrators and not related to K-9 searches - out of the 1,200 student body, does not “justify trampling over students’ privacy rights.” She noted a recent State Attorney General opinion makes such searches worrisome.Ultimately, the board agreed to forward the matter to the Attorney General to see if they can obtain a specific opinion about drug searches at Isbell.
SPESD Trustees tackle using narcotic sniffing dog in campus searches
January 24, 2001
Santa Paula News
Santa Paula Elementary School District Trustees tackled the issue of using narcotic sniffing police dogs at Isbell Middle School when a board member said she was concerned with the constitutionality of the practice.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesSanta Paula Elementary School District Trustees tackled the issue of using narcotic sniffing police dogs at Isbell Middle School when a board member said she was concerned with the constitutionality of the practice.SPPD Chief Bob Gonzales told the board that he understands the questions and controversy over the use of department K-9s, but the program has proven to be an effective deterrent.“Our city was one of the last in the county to allow dogs on campus,” for narcotic searches, he noted.Sr. Officer Jimmy Fogata, accompanied by his K-9 partner Sultan, said the dogs have given demonstrations at all schools and students are comfortable with in their presence.He detailed the search program: “School staff identifies a situation,” plain clothes officers are brought in and accompanied by administrators, “we’re in and out of there [in a matter of minutes]. . .we did a five room search at Isbell,” which didn’t yield any drugs. After the action the students - who are instructed to leave the room during the search - interact with the K-9s.Dogs are not allowed to sniff a person’s body, he added, just possessions.And, if a student is found to have drugs, it is referred to the school administrators, said Chief Gonzales.
