Canine officers and their handlers from four police departments conducted a surprise inspection of Ellwood City’s Lincoln High Thursday.

Richard McDonald, Ellwood City’s police chief of operations, said no students were permitted in the halls during the one-hour search. He said no drugs were found.

“It was a cooperative effort between us and the school district,” McDonald said, “and to let students know that school is a place for education, not drugs.”

Frank Aloi, district superintendent, said the dogs had alerted their handlers at some lockers and school officials notified the students, who opened their lockers, but no drugs were found.

Aloi said dogs have been through the school before and he considers the procedure a positive measure.

“We want to keep our school safe.”

He noted Ellwood police also cooperate with the district by speaking with elementary students on safety topics.

McDonald said the dogs came from the police departments in Ellwood City and New Castle in Lawrence County, Franklin Township in Beaver County and Munhall, which is south of Pittsburgh.

McDonald explained the Munhall dog and his handler participated as part of their education under master instructor Patrick Moloney, who also conducted the training of Ellwood City’s canine officer, Jozek, and his handler, patrolman Michael McBride.