DON'T CUT D.A.R.E. PROGRAM

AT ISSUE: Youths need to learn about the dangers of drugs, alcohol.

The Oneida County Sheriff's Office's decision not to offer the
D.A.R.E. program in coming school years is a poor choice and
provides a disservice to impressionable youths.

The drug and alcohol awareness program helped educate fifth- and
sixth-grade students each year about the dangers of illegal
substances as well as the ramifications of getting behind the wheel
of a car while under the influence.

The presence of drugs and the number of driving while intoxicated
cases do not seem to be going away in this area. Just last week,
Common Council member James Zecca, D-2, brought crack cocaine bags
he found at a playground in his district and passed them around the
audience in a Ziploc bag at a council meeting.

If drugs found at a playground don't strengthen the case for the
need for D.A.R.E. in this area, then what does?

Sheriff's Capt. Richard Antanavige, who oversaw the 15-year-old
program, said its cancellation was an "internal decision based on
budget, priorities and manpower."

It's true that the economy is facing tough times, and yes, cuts need
to be made. But cutting this type of program, that the sheriff's
office began in 1992, is not the answer.

John Caher, director of public information for the state Department
of Criminal Justice Services, said D.A.R.E. participation has
decreased statewide since 1995. About 150 agencies participate now,
compared to more than 280 back then. Criminal Justice Services
announced earlier this year it no longer will provide $150,000 in
annual funding for the program after this coming school year.

Caher cited the decline of the program and possible lack of
enthusiasm on a local level. That is not a reason to cut funding.

Here's what needs to be done:

* Address the situation. If there's a lack of excitement, it's up to
our local law enforcement and local school districts to create the
excitement. Just like anything else -- children are impressionable.
If they see adults getting revved up about something, it's likely
their level of enthusiasm will rise as well.

* Provide funding. Our state and local representatives need to push
for funding for the D.A.R.E. program -- or something similar. Maybe
there's a less expensive form of the program that could still help
youths learn about the dangers of narcotics.

* Consider other options. Herkimer County Sheriff Christopher Farber
said his office has cut staffing for the program but still will
participate. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office says it now plans to
focus on its School Resource Officer program, where officers are
placed primarily in high schools. They are paid for by participating
districts, interact with a wider range of students and spend more
time in the school.

The right idea is there, but the trouble is, if the message isn't
getting out to youth until high school -- it may be too late. There
needs to be a program that addresses this at the fifth grade level
and continues to emphasize its importance each year.

That is the only acceptable option.