The site allows allows people to register a mobile phone number so that they can be alerted by SMS as to were sniffer dogs are operating. Its launch rides on the back of an uproar from civil liberties advocates following the passing of Federal legislation three weeks ago that permitted drug detection dogs to be used by police at selected locations, including licensed premises, large events such as dance parties, and on certain public transport routes. Last week it was also announced that firearm detection dogs would be used in a similar manner.
A spokesperson for the minister said: -it is irresponsible that the Council for Civil Liberties is involved with something like this".
"The SMS purports to let you know if there are drug detection dogs working...how do people know if they're drug alert dogs or firearm alert dogs?" the spokesperson questioned.
-These people run the risk of helping those people who could well be committing a crime...helping people armed with illegal handguns," the spokesperson added.
The Minister, who was alerted to the site yesterday, is seeking legal advice today as to whether the Council for Civil Liberties and Redfern Legal Centre are committing an offence.
NSW Council for Civil Liberties president Cameron Murphy was unavailable for comment, as was Redfern Legal Centre.
What's the difference between this "service" and that of radio stations warning motorists of radars?