COUNCIL WANTS DARE WORKS TO EXPLORE ALTERNATIVES

A Black Diamond town councillor and former RCMP officer said there
are cheaper ways for DARE to run a drug abuse resistance programs in
local schools.

Coun. Tyler Bray would like the DARE Works Society to look at the
possibility of replacing a full-time RCMP constable who organizes and
instructs the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program with
either a peace officer or possibly a retired RCMP member.

The DARE program is a course that helps Grade 6 and Grade 8 students
make smart decisions regarding drug, tobacco and alcohol use as well
as self-esteem issues and treating students and the community with respect.

The program is organized - and taught in many cases - by Const. Krista Woods.

At present municipalities in the foothills, Strathcona-Tweedsmuir
School and the Foothills School Division are paying 70 per cent of
Woods' salary and benefits, approximately $84,000. The society pays
the remaining 30 per cent of the constable's salary and benefits. As
well, it pays for any other instructors and expenses.

The Town of Black Diamond's share was $3,120 for 2008. It would
increase by $62 to $3,182 for 2009.

"I fully support the DARE program - you provide a good service that
is recognized," said Bray, the former RCMP sergeant at the Turner
Valley detachment. However, he asked, "Is there a cheaper way to do this?"

He made his comments after a presentation by the society at a Black
Diamond town council meeting on Feb. 18.

Bray suggested that possibly a retired RCMP officer could be hired at
a reduced price.

The use of retired officers is not unprecedented. Former Nelson B.C.
RCMP Staff Sgt. Al Gillis was an instructor with the DARE Works
Foothills Society before becoming a High River town councillor.

Former High River RCMP Const. Greg Diebolt became a DARE instructor
for the society when he retired from the force. He said having an
RCMP constable involved brings a connection between the force and the students.

"I believe if we don't have that connection with the RCMP, (the
program) would come down a notch," Diebolt said. He added that often
a constable in red serge attends DARE graduation ceremonies.

Society board chairman Wayne Meikle said he was concerned that if
there were not an RCMP connection, some of the major stakeholders
would pull out.

Black Diamond Coun. Michel Jackson agreed that he would like the
possibility of other options to be investigated.

However, Coun. Bill Price said he saw the value of having an RCMP
constable at a recent DARE graduation in Black Diamond.

"I will donate the extra $62," he said.

Council will discuss funding for DARE in 2009 at upcoming budget meetings.

The Dare Works Society is celebrating its 10th anniversary and
anticipates having its 10,000th graduate sometime this year. It began
as a grassroots organization involving the municipalities and schools.