Churchill County Middle School Conducts Random Canine Search

Today, Nov. 7, at 9:20 a.m. Churchill County Middle School Principal Deana Porretta announced that school administrators, law enforcement officials, and canine police dogs were conducting inspections of randomly selected classrooms and other areas of our school to ensure we maintain a safe school environment.

According to Churchill County School District regulations, canine sniff searches are not announced in advance, and district schools reserve the right to conduct additional searches in the future.

CCSD Regulation 5135.3 states, "The school district may conduct canine sniffs of the following: students' personal property which is left in the classroom during a canine sniff, the exteriors of vehicles, school hallways, lockers, classrooms, buildings, parking lots, and other school property through the use of a qualified canine unit trained to detect illegal or prohibited substances, weapons, or bombs. Canine sniffs must be initiated by school officials. Sniffs through canine units will occur at random. Prior to a canine sniff, students shall be requested to vacate the area being searched. There shall be no canine sniffs of a student's person. Students shall be notified that canine sniffs of school property and of the student's personal property by a canine unit can occur without notice. A canine unit alert on an item of personal property constitutes reasonable suspicion of the presence of illegal or prohibited substances, weapons, or bombs."

The regulation further states, "The primary function of public schools is education. In order to serve this function, the schools must maintain discipline and order and must provide students with physical safety and security. To provide an orderly and safe school environment, the school must control the behavior of students and prevent the introduction by students of harmful, damaging, unlawful, or deleterious items onto the school premises." 

Porretta wrote in her statement, "The safety, health, and wellness of our students and staff are the top priority of our school administrators. Intentional efforts to reduce the possession of illegal or prohibited items are essential to maintaining a safe school environment. Random, unannounced canine sniff searches are one approach that helps strengthen our school culture and identify items that could potentially harm students or staff. We also believe these searches provide valuable opportunities to encourage students to make safe, healthy, and responsible decisions. We encourage students and their parents and guardians to speak up if they see or hear anything concerning by reporting it to school officials or anonymously through Safe Voice (hotline: 833-216-SAFE or mobile app SaveVoiceNV.com). Your vigilance helps us maintain a safe, healthy, and supportive school environment for everyone."

Questions can be directed to Dr. Porrett at 775-423-7701 ext. 3003.