RCMP SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR ANTI-DRUG PROGRAM

The West Shore RCMP is looking for motivated volunteers to help keep
young people on the right track and away from substance abuse.

The detachment is rolling out its Community Prevention Education
Continuum program (CPEC), which involves community members talking to
high school students about making wise choices.

"We're looking for great people willing to donate a bit of time,"
said RCMP Cpl. Scott Hilderley, the CPEC program co-ordinator. "If we
get 50 people, we'll find 50 ways for people to help."

Hilderley stressed that almost anyone from any walk of life can help
- -- a banker could talk to kids about economics and budgeting, a
fitness store owner could talk about the benefits of exercise and
health. It's not about endlessly hammering on the anti-drug and
alcohol message, he said, but focusing on healthy decision-making,
which reduces risky behaviour among teens.

"In high school kids are presented with peer pressure. It's a
struggle to resist," Hilderley said. "But instead of focusing on what
is negative, we're focusing on what is positive. It's all geared to
maximize the potential of of youth. It's about developing healthy communities."

The CPEC program is also meant as a continuation the long-running
DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program offered to elementary
students throughout the province. That consistent anti-drug messaging
can become erratic when students enter middle and high school, Hilderley said.

RCMP rolled out CPEC in the East Kootenay in 2005, and saw a
measurable decrease in drug and alcohol abuse among teens, according
to surveys. West Shore detachment commander Insp. Mark Fisher, who
worked in the area at the time, said the program helped develop
better communication between officers and community organizations.

"We've seen it work elsewhere in the country," Fisher said. "In the
Kootenays, it was a big help for the detachment to get engaged with
all age groups."

Some youth might also respond better to anti-drug messaging delivered
by people other than police officers. Segments of youth only interact
with police in negative way, Hilderley noted, such as when a parent
gets arrested.

"Kids might not be able to connect with police, but they might
connect with a hockey player or a business man," Fisher said.

CPEC is volunteer based and is not looking for monetary donations.
People not comfortable with public speaking can also help with the program.

People interested in participating with the CPEC program or want to
find out more can contact Hilderley at 250-380-6295 or
scott.hilderley@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.