POLICING COMMITTEE SUPPORTS DRUG FREE ZONES

Some Brooks officials are hoping that the city will establish Drug
Free Zones around schools, as Taber has now done.

Last week, after years in the works, Taber declared Drug Free Zones
and put up 35 signs near schools and playgrounds declaring that "You
have entered a Drug Free Zone."

Now Brooks, which had been watching Taber's progress for years, is
steps closer to the same declaration, but still months away from the
finished product.

The idea is to make it tougher on drug dealers who traffic within a
particular area around schools and the justice system is backing it.

Now under the Criminal Code, dealing drugs to youth will be an
aggravating factor in sentencing.

Director of Protective Services Kevin Swanson presented a draft
document to the Brooks Policing Committee members on Thursday evening.

While thumbing through it for the first time, RCMP Cst. Paul Post said
the police are already doing most of what Brooks has proposed.

"I'd like to see this go forward and see it all (enforced)," Post
said.

He added that the schools go even further. If a student smells like
marijuana they are pulled from class for three days and must attend
counselling.

With support from the committee, Swanson said the idea can be taken
once more to the city, school divisions, CrimeStoppers and the Drug
Task Force for support.

"We as a community, value and want to protect our children," said
Swanson.