D.A.R.E. PROGRAM TO RETURN

PARRSBORO -- The local RCMP are not quite as shorthanded as they were,
as two fresh faces arrived over the summer.

Const. Dal Hutchinson introduced himself to Parrsboro town council at
its Sept. 25 session, where he provided the monthly police report.
Originally from the Truro area, Hutchinson transferred in from
Saskatchewan to replace the retired Const. Guy Bergeron.

"It's nice to be back home," he said. "We love it here."

In another personnel change, Const. Bill Corkum has taken over the
residential position in Advocate. A Berwick native, Corkum replaces
Const. Dwayne Penney, who was transferred to Newfoundland & Labrador
in August.

The new officers join Const. Colin Morton, Const. Jeff Davidson and
Cpl. John James, who is now on leave. The first months on the job have
involved getting to know people and getting to know the system in Nova
Scotia, he explained.

"It's like starting the job over again," he said. "Paperwork is
totally different compared to other divisions in the RCMP, and the
provincial acts are totally different too. It's been a real adjustment
period over the last two months."

The police are now preparing for the annual Spook-a-Rama Halloween
dance for local youth, and also becoming active in other youth-related
projects, according to Hutchinson. Davidson is involved with the local
beavers group, while Hutchinson will be bringing the D.A.R.E. drug
awareness program back to local schools, news that seemed to relieve
mayor and council.

Deputy mayor Lloyd Smith was pleased to hear that the program will not
only be returning, but will be expanded to cover grades five through
eight.

"It will be a delight to add it to some other grades, as it can
refresh some of the memories as they get to a tender age," said Smith.

Expanding the drug awareness program to include older students was an
issue raised by members of the youth at the Task Force For Safer
Communities public meeting held in Parrsboro last spring, Mayor Doug
Robinson informed the officer.

"There's definitely a gap in services between 16 and 18," said
Hutchinson. "It has improved, but there is still a lot of room for
improvement. Getting in the school and getting to know the youth on
the streets is very important."

Hutchinson will become the liaison officer with the schools, and said
he will get involved as much as he can. He also expressed interest in
becoming involved with the town's youth town council.