Florida County Evaluates Portable Drug Test for Students March 10, 2004
News Summary
The Palm Beach County school district in Florida is training school administrators to use a new portable drug test when they have "reasonable suspicion" that a student is using illegal drugs, the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel reported March 5.The drug-testing kit is similar to those used by airport security officials. A sticky piece of paper is rubbed on a student's body or possessions then sprayed with chemicals. If the strip turns a certain color, it indicates the possible presence of marijuana, heroin, ecstasy, or several other drugs.
Schools Police Chief Jim Kelly said reasonable suspicion would be based on a student's appearance or behavior.
"It's the least intrusive search I can think of. You can do someone's fingers, a book bag, different things," said Kelly. He said that the test provides "instantaneous" and highly accurate results.
Kelly said parents of students testing positive would be contacted. No other action or prosecution would take place unless actual drugs were found in a search.
Administrators at all 23 high schools in the county are involved in the pilot program. "The new tests are another tool, another resource to help our students remain drug-free," said Kathleen Perry, principal of Olympic Heights High west of Boca Raton.
Some students are opposed to the on-site testing, saying it violates their privacy rights.
"I know there's a bad drug problem in the schools. But I'd feel more comfortable if they asked the parents' consent first. It's crossing the line," said Adam Jacobson, a 10th-grader at Atlantic High School.
The trial program is being funded through a grant from the federal government's National Institute of Justice.
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