CRIMESTOPPERS MESSAGE GOES TO KIDS

Visiting Schools Seen As a Boost for Students and the Program

The local branch of an international crime-fighting organization is
downsizing -- that is it's looking to recruit kids to help them help
themselves.

Cowichan Crime Stoppers is about to enter local elementary schools to
show students how they can help battle crimes that are happening maybe
on their own playgrounds.

Starting sometime after the middle of January --Crime Stoppers month
- -- local elementary students will become intimate with the
international crime-busting program through a powerful
presentation.

"It's about giving kids more information and encouraging them to make
the right choices," said former RCMP Sgt. Derek Crawford, now a member
of the Crime Stoppers community board.

"We're starting at Quamichan middle school with a power point
presentation," said CCS president Marshall Fischer.

The presentation, aimed at kids around the age of 13, will ostensibly
try to dispel myths about harmful, but common, things like alcohol,
drugs and bullying.

"The presentation is designed to illustrate problems they may already
be in or may be about to face," Crawford said.

One of those problems is crystal methamphetamine.

"Crystal is around and available and the target audience is youth
because they're naive and they'll probably try the stuff," said Crawford.

"The cheapness of it is attractive to kids."

The presentation won't only warn kids about the dangers and effects of
the myriad of harmful things that await them, Fischer said.

"It will encourage them to do something about it," he
said.

Added Crawford: "And Crime Stoppers may be a good option."

Anyone who has information about a crime is urged to call Crime
Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, but kids in school will also be able to
dial up about such things as bullying, the former copper said.

"Maybe it's about things you can't tell a teacher or parent or
counselor."

Student Crime Stoppers had some limited success in local schools in
the past, but died when administrative and other problems arose.

However, the presentation may be a natural lead-in to getting the
program up and running again.

"One of the issues we had to deal with is having a better approach to
grabbing students' attention," Crawford said.