30 GRADUATE FROM DARE

Last week, 30 children in Cayman Brac received certificates and
prizes for completing the DARE programme delivered by the RCIPS.

All students from Spot Bay Junior School and West End Primary School
who completed the 10–week anti–drugs and violence
programme were recognized for their dedication and achievement.

Seven Mile Beach Community Police Officer Jon Siddall flew to the
Brac once a week to carry out the programme with the assistance of
Cayman Brac Community Police Officer Rob Stewart.

The DARE programme teaches children, ages 10–11, about the
dangers of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and violence, said an RCIP press
release. The aim to is to provide students with the skills needed to
avoid and deal with situations involving any of these.

PC Siddall said: "It's always a pleasure to carry out this programme
and this session was no different. Every time I carry out this
training I am amazed at the enthusiasm and keen involvement of the children.

"The programme goes beyond traditional drug abuse and violence
prevention programs and I hope all participants gained some valuable
skills that will help them to resist the subtle and overt pressures
that cause them to experiment with drugs or become involved in
gangs or violent activities."

The RCIPS thanked Cayman Airways which sponsored PC Siddall's
flights to and from the Brac. Police also recognized Lindzi Stewart
for her hard work organising displays, handouts, photographs and
coverage in the Brac Newsletter.

About DARE

DARE is universally viewed as an internationally recognized model of
community policing. The United States Department of Justice has
identified how DARE benefits local communities:

DARE 'humanizes' the police: that is, young people can begin to
relate to officers as people;

DARE permits students to see officers in a helping role, not just an
enforcement role;

DARE. opens lines of communication between law enforcement and youth;

DARE officers can serve as conduits to provide information beyond
drug related topics;

DARE opens dialogue between the school, police, and parents to deal
with other issues.