NEW AB CRIME PREVENTION FUNDING WON'T RESTORE PEACE RIVER'S DARE

The chances of the RCMP-administered Drug Awareness Resistance Education
(DARE)- recognized as one of the most effective anti-alcohol/drug programs
for youths - being reborn in Peace River in the near future are slim,
despite recent announcements of new funding from the provincial government
for community crime prevention.

One of the reasons is cost. Peace River RCMP Staff Sgt. Ken Hainsworth says
while the detachment may see some of those new provincial dollars in staff
training delivery budgets, funding through the Provincial Community Crime
Prevention Grants is primary divvied out through one-time grants.

"But with DARE - where each year there's a new grade six class (to whom the
program is primarily targeted) - you need sustained funding," says Hainsworth.

DARE was offered to Peace River students for about three years until it was
cancelled in the spring of 2000. The primary reason was - and continues to
be - lack of qualified staff available to teach the program, explains
Hainsworth.

"DARE instructors must be police officers. And they must have a minimum of
two years experience before they're eligible to take the DARE instructor
training."

Two years of experience may not sound like much, but the Peace River
detachment has had three officers transferred out in the past four years.

"With the high turnover," says Hainsworth, "we've lost all our DARE
instructors."

And with the high turnover has come one staff member after another fresh
out of officer training without the mandatory two years experience for
instructing DARE. More cuts in experienced officers are no doubt on the way
this year.

"We had a new officer in August (2000), a new one since Christmas, and we
have two more recruits arriving in February - all fresh out of training,"
says Hainsworth. "All three (of the latest additions) are surplus to the
detachment. So the writing is on the wall that we'll be losing three senior
personnel this year - which, again, will affect our ability to deliver DARE."

Even with staff who are qualified, there are further dilemmas. There is a
substantial time commitment with being a DARE instructor.

"There are 17 one-hour lessons per class," explains Hainsworth, "which
means a heavy commitment for the instructor delivering the course for a
semester while doing shift work (for the detachment). That's the kicker -
it's not done solely within RCMP time. It's a considerable commitment
outside the RCMP duties, which is normally only partially compensated for."

Another ramification from that, he says, is some of the instructor's normal
work load has to be left for other officers to carry.

Having explained the logistical obstacles in offering the course in Peace
River, Hainsworth does stress the program's value.

"We do see the DARE program as a worthwhile effort, and a future investment
in our youth and long-term crime prevention."

One of DARE's strengths, he says, is the program teaches individual worth
and the right to self-choice.

"One of the real pluses is the building of self-worth and esteem," says
Hainsworth. "A lot of people who are susceptible (to drug and alcohol
abuse) are those with low self-esteem. DARE teaches these kids they are
worth something individually."

So, what's the solution? Because of the time commitment required,
Hainsworth says some communities have contracted with the RCMP for an
additional officer who's primary responsibility is administering the DARE
program.

That's an expensive proposition, however. Hainsworth figures one officer is
worth about $90,000 a year, once salary, benefits, and infrastructure are
accounted for. And that money has to be sustained annually.

While Peace River alone probably isn't in the position to deal with the
bill, Hainsworth believes another officer might be affordable if shared by
the region.

"For here, the funding for the officer would have to be shared between the
various towns and municipalities. And then the DARE program can be widely
delivered in the region."