Brandon Twp.- A marijuana seed and stem found in the backseat of a high school student’s car on Monday morning earned him a 10-day suspension from Brandon High School.
‘It was a friend’s,? said the student. ‘It was in my car and I have to take responsibility, but it’s not fair that other people are getting off (without a suspension) when they have more than me because of who they are friends with.?
The 17-year-old senior claims that a girl was found with seeds and a marijuana smoking pipe in her backpack in class, but escaped punishment because her best friend’s father is a police officer.
BHS Assistant Principal Jerry Warner response to that charge is an emphatic, ‘No way.?
The same punishment is given to all students found with drugs in a first offense, says Warner.
‘All kids are treated equally and anyone found in possession is given a 10-day suspension and also enrolled in a chemical awareness class that the social worker teaches,? he said. ‘It’s not all about punishment, it’s also about rehabilitation.?
Warner declined to say what was found during Monday’s drug search, conducted by DK Investigation Security Services of Kentwood. A Czechoslovakian spaniel checked lockers, did a spot check of backpacks left in classrooms, and sniffed cars in the BHS parking lot. The dog is trained to search for marijuana, as well as all other illegal substances, prescription drugs, alcohol and even gunpowder.
A drug search is done about once a month during the school year in the district, at the high school, as well as the middle school and CHOICES, the alternative high school. Occasionally, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office conducts the search, but Warner says the dog from the private company can detect more substances that police dogs aren’t trained for, such as alcohol and gunpowder.
Students are not criminally charged. The policy is a 10-day suspension for first-time offenders found with drugs and a 3-day suspension for students found with tobacco. On a second drug offense, the student is recommended for expulsion. Warner declined comment on whether any students were expelled Monday. Students may also be recommended for expulsion on a first offense if large amounts of drugs are found, indicating possible intent to distribute.
‘My number one goal is to run a high school safe and drug-free and we’re very happy with the job DK does in helping us keep drugs out of Brandon High School,? said Warner, who noted it is rare to find large amounts of drugs.
‘We’re also very glad we have a police liaison officer (Arnie Terrell) and he really does help us out a lot.?