[Greens-Media] Greens launch new campaign against police sniffer dogs

[Hans VanLeeuwen]

Greens launch new campaign against police sniffer dogs
Media release - December 3, 2004

The Greens will use the HomeBake festival this weekend to kick off a new
campaign against the excessive and discriminatory use of sniffer dogs
against young people.
 
Sniff Off! stickers (see attached) will be handed out to concert-goers
at tomorrow's HomeBake, with more leafleting and sticker distribution to
take place at other gigs and at railway stations over the summer.

"The police have really ramped up the use of sniffer dogs against young
people over the past year," said Greens MP Lee Rhiannon.

"Our aim is to make sure young people know their rights, and to alert
them to the fact that they are being unfairly targeted.
 
"Most young people are just going about their daily business on the
train system, or looking to have a great day out at a music festival,
when suddenly they are humiliated and treated like criminals.
 
"Police sniffer dogs are unnecessary and a huge waste of resources.
While the dogs may net a few people carrying small amounts of drugs for
personal use, they do nothing to stop the big manufacturers and dealers.
 
"By using sniffer dog use with increasing intensity, the police are
treating young people like criminals and creating resentment and
antipathy towards the police," Ms Rhiannon said. 


Hans van Leeuwen
Media Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon
Tel: (61 2) 9230 3551
Fax: (61 2) 9230 3550
Mob: 0425 310 562
hans.vanleeuwen at parliament.nsw.gov.au