PCSO studies DARE program

Hardy's Slot Unlikely To Be Filled; Money To Be Used Elsewhere

The vacancy at the head of the school resource unit is unlikely to be
filled by a new supervisor, Sheriff Dean Kelly said Monday, and the money
the position will free could fund a new anti-drug program in the elementary
schools.

Instead of promoting a new lieutenant to head the unit, Kelly said he plans
to hire a new deputy to travel to elementary schools for classes and
demonstrations as part of the national Drug Abuse Resistance Education
(DARE) program.

"A long time ago, we had a strong DARE program and I want to get back to
that," Kelly said. "My goal is to get an officer back in the elementary
school system."

School Superintendent David Buckles said Tuesday that he and Kelly had
informally discussed the idea.

"I think it's a good idea," Buckles said. "I think we should focus on
prevention, instead of the end result, which is a child breaking the law."

DARE is a nationwide program that trains specialized officers to go into
school systems and teach students about the dangers of drug use. Kelly said
the DARE officer will circulate among the district's nine elementary
schools, creating a law enforcement presence in the elementary schools
while conducting the anti-drug programs.

"We'll start getting into the elementary schools and talking to those
students," Kelly said.

"Elementary school is a critical time for children to gain the trust for
law enforcement officers, to understand that they're there to help and not
just catch them doing something bad," Buckles said.

The lieutenant position over the school resource unit has for all practical
purposes been vacant for several months. Former Lt. Jeff Hardy resigned in
February was on medical leave for several months before resigning.

The head of the school resource unit will be Sgt. Mike Oglesbee, formerly
Hardy's second-in-command, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

"Instead of having two supervisors, we'll have one," Kelly said. "After
talking to Sgt. Oglesbee, he feels like he can handle the supervisory
position."

The details of the new program are still being worked out, Kelly said.
Buckles said he expects to meet with the sheriff soon on a more formal plan.