Dog searches for drugs at middle school

Students were called out of selected classes Monday afternoon at Carson Middle School while Tahoe, a trained yellow Labrador, sniffed their desks and backpacks for drugs.

Nothing was discovered, but seventh-grader Cody Malterer supported the random search.

"I think it's good because then you know nobody has drugs," he said. "It helps keep kids safe."

Sheriff's Deputy Brian Humphrey and Tahoe routinely search the high school and middle school for marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroine.

"Unfortunately, it's in our schools and we want to deter that," Humphrey said. "We want them to know school is not the place for drugs."

Often, after the search is conducted, contraband will be placed in various desks and lockers as part of Tahoe's daily training. Humphrey also spends much time in the classroom talking to students about the program.

Vice principal Sam Santillo said the school is always open to police for random searches.

"We'd rather have those guys here in a proactive situation than in a reactive one," he said. "We'd rather be educating them than arresting them."

Mostly, the students are excited to see a dog on campus, surrounding Humphrey and asking to pet Tahoe.

"I think it's hip," said Corey Bracht, 13.

The searches have never turned up narcotics at either Carson or Eagle Valley middle schools, but drugs have been found at Carson High School.

Santillo said when drugs are brought on campus, parents or other students usually notify school officials.

"That's the way we like it," Santillo said. "We want the kids patrolling their own school."

Two students were turned in last year and Santillo found one small vile of marijuana in the bushes in front of the school earlier this year.

"I'm not going to be naive and say there aren't kids here who use it, but I like to think they aren't using it here or showing it to other kids," he said.

If drugs are found, parents are notified and the student is arrested and suspended. Substance abuse counseling is also recommended.

Another drug dog, Luke, is being trained by the Carson City Sheriff's Department. Tahoe will retire this year to live as a pet with Humphrey.

"He'll just come home with me and we'll treat him like part of the family," Humphrey said. "He's already part of the family anyway."