This study aimed to examine the views of staff and patients on the use of sniffer dogs to detect illicit drugs and the prosecution of in-patients suspected of taking such drugs in a medium-secure psychiatric unit. A 15-item self-report questionnaire was distributed to all in-patients and staff with patient contact, achieving a response rate of 63%. The results showed that while staff viewed the impact of illicit drugs more negatively than patients, patients viewed the use of sniffer dogs and police involvement more negatively than staff. The study highlighted the need to address the discordance between staff and patients' views, particularly regarding consent and confidentiality, when managing illicit drug use in psychiatric settings. The findings also emphasized the lack of data on the sensitivity and specificity of sniffer dogs and the need for clear guidance on police involvement. The study concluded that a balance must be struck between maintaining a drug-free environment and respecting patient dignity and confidentiality.This study aimed to examine the views of staff and patients on the use of sniffer dogs to detect illicit drugs and the prosecution of in-patients suspected of taking such drugs in a medium-secure psychiatric unit. A 15-item self-report questionnaire was distributed to all in-patients and staff with patient contact, achieving a response rate of 63%. The results showed that while staff viewed the impact of illicit drugs more negatively than patients, patients viewed the use of sniffer dogs and police involvement more negatively than staff. The study highlighted the need to address the discordance between staff and patients' views, particularly regarding consent and confidentiality, when managing illicit drug use in psychiatric settings. The findings also emphasized the lack of data on the sensitivity and specificity of sniffer dogs and the need for clear guidance on police involvement. The study concluded that a balance must be struck between maintaining a drug-free environment and respecting patient dignity and confidentiality.