Pubdate: Wed, 04 Mar 2009
Source: Okotoks Western Wheel (CN AB)
Copyright: 2009, Okotoks Western Wheel
Contact:  http://www.westernwheel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1638
Author: Bruce Campbell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

COUNCIL WANTS DARE WORKS TO EXPLORE ALTERNATIVES

A Black Diamond town councillor and former RCMP officer said there 
are cheaper ways for DARE to run a drug abuse resistance programs in 
local schools.

Coun. Tyler Bray would like the DARE Works Society to look at the 
possibility of replacing a full-time RCMP constable who organizes and 
instructs the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program with 
either a peace officer or possibly a retired RCMP member.

The DARE program is a course that helps Grade 6 and Grade 8 students 
make smart decisions regarding drug, tobacco and alcohol use as well 
as self-esteem issues and treating students and the community with respect.

The program is organized - and taught in many cases - by Const. Krista Woods.

At present municipalities in the foothills, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir 
School and the Foothills School Division are paying 70 per cent of 
Woods' salary and benefits, approximately $84,000. The society pays 
the remaining 30 per cent of the constable's salary and benefits. As 
well, it pays for any other instructors and expenses.

The Town of Black Diamond's share was $3,120 for 2008. It would 
increase by $62 to $3,182 for 2009.

"I fully support the DARE program - you provide a good service that 
is recognized," said Bray, the former RCMP sergeant at the Turner 
Valley detachment. However, he asked, "Is there a cheaper way to do this?"

He made his comments after a presentation by the society at a Black 
Diamond town council meeting on Feb. 18.

Bray suggested that possibly a retired RCMP officer could be hired at 
a reduced price.

The use of retired officers is not unprecedented. Former Nelson B.C. 
RCMP Staff Sgt. Al Gillis was an instructor with the DARE Works 
Foothills Society before becoming a High River town councillor.

Former High River RCMP Const. Greg Diebolt became a DARE instructor 
for the society when he retired from the force. He said having an 
RCMP constable involved brings a connection between the force and the students.

"I believe if we don't have that connection with the RCMP, (the 
program) would come down a notch," Diebolt said. He added that often 
a constable in red serge attends DARE graduation ceremonies.

Society board chairman Wayne Meikle said he was concerned that if 
there were not an RCMP connection, some of the major stakeholders 
would pull out.

Black Diamond Coun. Michel Jackson agreed that he would like the 
possibility of other options to be investigated.

However, Coun. Bill Price said he saw the value of having an RCMP 
constable at a recent DARE graduation in Black Diamond.

"I will donate the extra $62," he said.

Council will discuss funding for DARE in 2009 at upcoming budget meetings.

The Dare Works Society is celebrating its 10th anniversary and 
anticipates having its 10,000th graduate sometime this year. It began 
as a grassroots organization involving the municipalities and schools.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom