Pubdate: Fri, 21 Jun 2013
Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 The Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352
Author: Richard Rolke

ENDERBY OFFICIALS CONSIDER DRUG-FREE ZONES

Enderby wants to take a stand on drugs.

The city is currently investigating whether drug-free zones should be
established.

"It's a multi-faceted approach. It's not just about putting up a
sign," said Mayor Howie Cyr.

Drug-free zones were created in Canada 10 years ago as a joint effort
between school districts, federal Crown, communities and law
enforcement.

The goal is to ensure harsher sentences for people trafficking within
zones around schools and to deter drug activity from moving into these
areas.

"The entire community - schools, students, treatment providers, local
government, RCMP, the judicial system and community leaders - must
join forces to clean up the neighbourhoods and school yards to create
safer and healthier places to live and learn," said Warren Smith,
rural programs co-ordinator with the RCMP Safe Communities Unit.

"In some circumstances, judges have handed out longer sentences to
people who traffic drugs around schools."

Drug-free zones exist in Kelowna, Nanaimo and Williams
Lake.

"The intent of the zones is certainly a good one and they have been
effective to some degree. But they haven't had the impact that was
hoped for at the beginning," said Mike Roberts, Kelowna's school
superintendent.

"You must consider the RCMP's resources and ability to respond to what
might be considered a minor drug possession."

Despite some concerns about implementation, Cyr, a former RCMP
officer, supports drug-free zones.

"It's not a quick solution but we can alert people that drug dealing
is going on and that we care about the situation. It's better than
doing nothing," he said.

Coun. Raquel Knust will work with other community partners about
possibly establishing drug-free zones.
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MAP posted-by: Matt