Letter To The Editor – Police State Tactics At School

Dear Editor:
I share the dismay expressed by Anita Henry over the “Drug Sniff at BCS.”
What was the plan if the dog made a hit? Would the principal assist the sheriff’s deputy applying handcuffs to the student. Would the student(s) be taken away in a patrol car? Is there an attorney on call to assist a student with legal rights? Was the dog’s hit accurate?
What was the plan to deal with a child who refused to participate?
Is the District prepared for the expense of defending this behavior in court?
It is sad to see police state tactics brought to school. This tactic seems over the top when the principal indicates drugs are not a significant problem at the school.
I am dismayed that the Board of Education sponsored this exercise.
Richard A. Demick
State Route 43, Stephentown