Academy of the Pacific Takes Proactive Stand
Drugs are a serious and prevalent problem at schools all across the nation, and at public and private schools throughout the state of Hawaii. In an effort to deter or eliminate the possession and use of drugs on school campuses, many are looking to new, proactive ways to stop the spread of illegal drugs in schools. Academy of the Pacific, which has a zero-tolerance policy on student use or possession of drugs on campus, is aiming to strengthen its commitment to a safe and drug-free school by employing such a proactive measure. For the 2003-2004 school year, the Academy of the Pacific will utilize the services of the Interquest Detection Canine agency, which will provide specially trained dogs to detect contraband substances, including illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, firearms and ammunition and over-the-counter medications. Widely used on the West Coast, the Interquest agency brings canines on campus at random, unannounced times, usually two times a month, and conducts unobtrusive searches throughout the school property. If any banned substances are found, the Academy of the Pacific will follow the policies described in its Student Parent handbook. Using these canines is a proactive attempt to eliminate drugs from campus, and is aligned with the Academy’s stated policy that it will maintain a safe and drug-free school environment.
