Civil libertarians launch sniffer dog site
Source: AAP
The NSW Council for Civil Liberties has set up a website outlining people's rights in relation to random searches by police sniffer dogs.
The site -
www.snifferdogs.info - has been established by a group of organisations concerned about the use of sniffer dogs, and offers links to information on unlawful searches, citizens' rights in relation to a search, and how to make complaints.
"The use of sniffer dogs to conduct random drug searches in public places is infringing the civil liberties and deeply affecting the lives of thousands of people across the state," the site states.
"This site contains information about your rights when approached by a sniffer dog and what to do if you wish to make a complaint."
The issue came under the spotlight last month after a Sydney magistrate declared the use of sniffer dogs in a random search a breach of civil liberties.
The Carr government moved quickly to allow police to continue to use the dogs in random searches, but only in particular areas such as pubs, dance parties and on public transport.
But the council's site states sniffer dogs are not helpful in catching the "Mr Bigs" of the drug trade.
"Sniffer dogs are detecting small quantities of drugs on people who are clearly not big-time suppliers and not the Mr Bigs in the supply chain that the police say they are targeting," the site said.
"Detecting and charging users with simple possession offences is not shown to be helpful in reducing harm in the society from drug abuse."
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