LTE: Don't Assume Privacy in School Hallways
Keith Besherse
October 10, 2007
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Drug detection programs in our public schools are a necessary evil ("Drug-dog program could start next year," Star-Bulletin, Oct. 8).
We should not encourage development of bad behaviors in the false name of freedom of speech or protection from unreasonable search.
While a student has an expectation of privacy inside a wall locker (which is his only to use — not his personal property), he certainly does not have an expectation of privacy in the halls. If a dog alerts on a particular locker while in the hall, that constitutes probable cause.
Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union says our educators should not be subject to random drug tests. Yes, we are punishing the majority of educators for the crimes of the minority. However, there is clearly a drug problem in Hawaii. The National Education Association would have provided an alternative plan if it had one.
Drug tests and dog patrols are not unreasonable searches, they are the inspection aspect of an illegal drug prevention program that includes education and law enforcement. Let's keep illegal drugs away from our children.
Keith Besherse, Wahiawa | 
