Lincoln-Way OKs K-9 patrol deal
By Patrick Ferrell, Herald News Staff Writer
NEW LENOX — The Lincoln-Way High School District has a new weapon to combat illegal drug use. The school board on Thursday approved hiring a company that uses golden retrievers and other non-threatening breeds to search schools for drugs, alcohol and firearms.
Dandy, the golden retriever that will work at Lincoln-Way, gives the district something traditional police K-9s have not. “Most of the time, (police K-9s) would come in at midnight,” Superintendent Lawrence Wyllie said. “I wanted something that’s a little more visible and a little gentler.”
Dandy is 5 years old and works for Interquest Detection Canines of Chicago. The company is expected to conducted random unannounced visits to the district’s two campuses on a regular basis.
The program also includes a preliminary meeting where the dog and its handler will meet the students. “The goal is to help the students make good decisions,” said Nick Polyak, an assistant principal at Lincoln-Way Central. “It begins with a strong communications component. The first time, the dog is not going to search stuff. She’ll only be here so the students can get to know her.”
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