DRUGS AND ORGANIZED CRIME AWARENESS SERVICE

I would like to take this opportunity to say hello to everyone and to
introduce myself. I am the new drugs and organized crime awareness
coordinator for Labrador.

I come to this new position after serving 16 years in front-line
policing. I have worked in many areas of the province including three
communities along the Labrador coast.

Having lived and worked in many different parts of the province I
have come to realize that while every community is unique in its own
way, every community also has its similarities.

Unfortunately one of those similarities is some sort of problem with
drugs. While most people are aware the abuse of drugs is an issue in
our society, our knowledge about drugs and the potential problems
they create are quite limited.

As a society, we have waged a "war on drugs," for years, however
illegal drugs and drug abuse are still present.

While the "war" is ongoing, so to unfortunately is the general
acceptance of these drugs. People believe and often tell me that drug
abuse is not their problem. That it's not their responsibility, for
example, to stop someone from drinking and driving, that they don't
need to be educated about drugs because their kids wouldn't do that.

The sad reality is, it's everyone's problem.

My job now is to help inform you about drugs, drug abuse, the
potential problems and ways of avoiding them. I will be conducting
presentations at schools, meeting with parents, as well as community
and professional groups, to try and get the message out.

In my opinion parents are the biggest resource when it comes to
educating kids about drugs.

A parent with the required knowledge and a desire to speak with their
kids about drugs are (is) in a much better position to prevent their
children from getting involved in the first place.

Remember when it comes to drugs, your child, "could do that," and if
the parents aren't willing to discuss drugs with their kids and
aren't willing to set the right examples, there is a greater chance
your child, "would do that."

We live in a world with drugs, and this will never change. Drugs are
easily accessible and in most cases readily available.

Marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, prescription drugs and alcohol are all
regularly abused in our society. There are newer drugs coming to our
communities such as methamphetamines that bring even bigger problems.

Drug use has been glamourized, however, in reality it's a very ugly
business with devastating consequences.

I plan to present the realities of drug abuse, addictions, crime, and
physical and financial consequences. Some of the material in the
presentations given to older children and parents are graphic and
disturbing, however it presents a reality seldom considered and often avoided.

To make the right decision, people - kids and parents - must be
provided with accurate information that presents the whole story.
Take the time to discuss drugs with your kids and answer the tough questions.

I encourage everyone to increase their knowledge by attending a drugs
and organized crime awareness presentation.

Anyone wishing to organize a presentation through a community group
or office can contact me by email Jason.learning@rcmp-grc.gc.ca, or
by telephone at 896-1239.