Bethany schools credit drug‑dog searches and vape detectors with reducing contraband on campus

At its regular meeting, the Bethany Public Schools board heard administrators report that a combination of unannounced drug‑dog searches, vape detectors and increased staff presence in hallways has reduced incidents of contraband at the district’s campuses.

Administrators said partner agencies run periodic searches both outside and inside school buildings. A high‑school administrator described two dogs arriving on a recent visit — one trained to detect narcotics and alcohol, the other for explosives — and said searches located only two old empty shell casings during a sweep. “It’s just amazing to see how they work,” the administrator said, describing how a scent can remain in a vehicle and trigger a detection even after the substance is no longer present.

The district also reported 16 vape detectors installed across schools. Staff said initial deployment produced frequent alerts but that incidents have fallen as students adjust to enforcement: “What we’re doing is working,” the administrator said. In addition to detectors, school officials said they have increased hallway presence near bathrooms and used portable workstations to enable staff to be visible and available to students.

Officials said searches are coordinated with partner agencies and may be scheduled on short notice; teachers are usually given a heads‑up the day of a sweep to limit classroom disruption. The board did not take formal action but heard questions from members about notification protocols and the frequency of searches.

School leaders said the district will continue the mix of detection, canine sweeps and staff supervision as part of a broader safety strategy, and noted that detection equipment and partner services are continuing into the next term.