Search Of Cars A Small Price To Pay For Search Parents Expect Schools To Be Safe, Drug-Free.

Gee, maybe teenagers would quit using drugs if we simply taught them to “just say no.” Or maybe we could waste more money on drug education. After all, the DARE program builds self-esteem and makes everyone feel good.

Maybe we should put our heads in the sand, too.

We have talked ourselves blue warning youngsters about drugs. Yet, some teens still arrive at school stoned and drunk. Drug sales are made in hallways, in parking lots, on buses. Something more needs to be done. Parents expect school officials to provide a drug-free, safe learning environment.

Gutsy Coeur d’Alene school administrators did something more last Friday. After warning students for months, they invited police and drug dogs onto high school campuses. Administrators had reason to be concerned. A 1994 district survey showed an upswing in drug use, particularly among younger students.

Commendably, officers and dogs conducted their search in the least invasive way possible. They didn’t check lockers or rummage through backpacks. They searched a publicly owned parking lot in a “drug-free zone.” Drivers who hadn’t broken the law had no need to worry.

If anything, the small amount of contraband confiscated - one-third of an ounce of marijuana, one can of beer, firecrackers and tobacco - should quell wild rumors that up to 70 percent of the student body uses drugs. Said Coeur d’Alene Capt. Carl Bergh: “This wasn’t about going after major dealers; this was a situation about where we didn’t want drugs in our schools.” Period.

Noticeably, the finicky American Civil Liberties Union said little. The Idaho chapter spokesman was concerned only that search warrants were valid and there was evidence of a drug problem. Courts have long backed a school district’s right to search for drugs and weapons.

Happily, no weapons were found.

Sure, students were inconvenienced. Some were angered. Others were frightened - particularly those who were detained for questioning after police dogs sensed drugs in their vehicles. Although only six cars yielded marijuana, half of the owners of 65 vehicles singled out for inspection admitted they had had drugs in their vehicles recently. Maybe they’ll remember their close encounter with the police next time they’re tempted to allow drugs into their cars.

Or to try them.

, DataTimes MEMO: For opposing view see headline: Drug search was lesson in tyranny

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