Drug Dog Jasper Called In: What Happened When Police Visited Cornwall Schools

Young people in Cornwall were given a powerful lesson on the dangers of drugs last week when Devon & Cornwall Police visited two schools with drug dog Jasper.

Education and Prevention at the Heart of School Visits

On Tuesday 30th April, students at St Austell College and Fowey School met Jasper, a passive drugs dog, as part of a session designed to raise awareness about the risks of illegal drugs.

The police spoke with teenagers about the dangers and consequences of drug use. Inspector Simon Andrews, who leads the neighbourhood policing teams in St Austell, said: “We don’t expect to find drugs when we visit schools, that’s not the reason we’re there. Our purpose is to open up a conversation with young people about the possible dangers and consequences of using drugs.”

Students also saw Jasper in action as the dog carried out a search in the building. No illegal substances were found during the visit.

Building Positive Relationships

Simon explained that the sessions are about much more than drug detection. “These visits are also an opportunity to show that we are proactive in tackling the use of drugs – which is another effective way to deter drug use both in and outside of school,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of early intervention, Simon added: “The years aged between 15 and 18 are key in a young person’s life. If we can form positive relationships with young people at this vital age, the chances of deterring them from making negative choices that may lead to criminality or antisocial behaviour improves.”

Working Together to Keep Communities Safe

The visits are part of a wider approach by the St Austell policing teams to tackle drug use in the area. This includes warrants, plain clothes operations and targeted patrols.

Simon urged parents and guardians to play a part in protecting young people. “As a message to parents and guardians, please work with us to keep young people safe. Know the dangers of using illegal substances, be inquisitive and question where, if any, they are getting substances from,” he said.

For more information or to report illegal activity:

• Visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website
• Call 101 for non-urgent matters
• Report anonymously via Crimestoppers
• Call 999 in an emergency