Searches at Dighton-Rehoboth, Bristol County Agricultural High School net items from DRHS

DIGHTON — Chief Robert MacDonald reports that the Dighton Police Department conducted scheduled police K-9 searches of Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School and Bristol County Agricultural High School this morning.1

The searches were conducted simultaneously by Dighton Police at approximately 8:20 a.m. and lasted about 45 minutes at each school. K-9 searches are done at the schools at least once each school year.

A notice has been sent out to parents at both high schools that the searches were conducted.

As a result of the search at Bristol County Agricultural High School, there was no contraband found.

During the search of Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, the K-9 had multiple positive alerts inside backpacks and lockers that resulted in the confiscation of a BB gun, a metal baton and several tobacco and THC vaping products.

The matters are currently under investigation by the Dighton Police Department and the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District.

“Safety of students and our schools is one of the top priorities of our department,” Chief MacDonald said. “Searches like today’s are a routine part of ensuring that the schools are safe and secure. Seeing that there were some positive alerts by our K-9, and particularly that a weapon was found and seized is concerning and we will be working with the school department to determine the best course of action as the investigation progresses.”

As part of the standard operating procedure of the search, the schools were briefly sheltered in place to ensure that no students came in contact with the K-9. Once the search was completed, the shelter in place order was lifted. The school day then resumed on their regular schedules.

Parents or residents who have questions or concerns can call the Dighton Police Department at 508-669-6711 or the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District administration at 508-252-5000 or the Bristol County Agricultural High School administration at 508-669-6744.