POLICE DEFEND DARE PROGRAM

Local police are defending a school-based drug prevention program
that was recently attacked in a national report. An informal audit of
Canada's Drug Strategy by the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
led to a report that suggested the majority of federal funding is
directed to strategies that are ineffective and lack evaluation.

The report singled out the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE)
program, stating it hasn't shown any proof of effectiveness.

"I obviously don't agree with what they're saying," said DARE
instructor Const. Cindy Kovalak of the Redcliff RCMP.

Through DARE, Grade 6 students are provided with factual information
about drugs and alcohol, along with resistance techniques for
situations where they may feel pressured to use them. Instructors add
a personal touch to the program and she places an emphasis on the
risks and consequences of using crystal methamphetamine. Students
know the substances are illegal, she explained, but may not realize
the extent they could be harmed by using them.

"We need to give them the information," said Kovalak. "Ultimately
they will make the choice whether they want to engage in that kind of
behaviour or not."

Const. Brian Zens of the Medicine Hat Police Service teaches DARE in
schools and is one of two officers who head up the Dogs for Drug Free
Schools program.

He says students have the right to scientific data and research about
the health and lifestyle consequences before they make decisions
about drugs. The information must also be told accurately and by
professionals, rather than leaving students to rely on non-objective
information found on the Internet or through friends.

"I would expect the education for my kids," said Zens, describing the
approach as proactive and preventative.

Not only does the program educate students, says Zens, it breaks down
barriers between students and police, showing students authorities
aren't "out there to punish them," but trying to educate them.

"The students see us in a different light, they see us as a
confidant, as a friend, as a mentor," added Kovalak.

Her position as a community resource officer is paid through a
partnership between the town of Redcliff, Cypress County and Prairie
Rose with the goal of targeting youth through education. Having a
police presence in the schools shows police in a positive light and
educates students, teachers and parents, she says.

The report called for concrete data on the DARE program success or
replacement strategies, but Kovalak says the education for and
relationships with students, along with parent and teacher support,
are proof of the program's validity.

Surveys would not be a very effective measure in gaining statistical
data on the program, she added.

"It would be a hard thing to measure just because of the nature of
the subject that they want you to respond to," said Kovalak.

"How do measure proactive and preventative approaches to anything?"
asked Zens, noting the odds of drug use are likely greater by
providing no education.

A news survey from Ottawa was recently sent to Kovalak to have
answered by parents and students of the DARE program. She is not yet
sure if the surveys are a result of the report or what the motivation
is for the request.

The study can be found in the current issue of the HIV/AIDS Policy
and Law Review at www.aidslaw.ca/review.