ON THE SCHOOL BEAT

Kamloops students now have an easier way to say no to drugs.

RCMP Const. Connie Buckle began her one-year duty as a liaison between the
police and the school district Wednesday.

Her role consists of supporting a variety of educational issues, including
school safety and anti-bullying programs, improving communication between
the district and the RCMP, and carrying out drug enforcement and education
duties in three secondary and seven elementary schools.

Buckle, who is currently working toward a masters degree in social work,
got a bachelor of social work from Memorial University in northern
Newfoundland.

She spent eight years as a social worker focusing on children's issues
related to welfare, corrections, foster care, adoption, and drug and
alcohol addiction.

She joined the RCMP in October 2002. Kamloops is her first posting.

When the liaison position became available, she jumped at the opportunity
to work with children again.

"I feel very passionate about youths and the issues they face. I feel very
privileged to be doing this and think I will have a very exciting year."

She knows one officer can't be expected to put an end to the district's
drug problem.

"I don't see my role as the be all and end all. I'm a liaison between the
RCMP and the other community partners working with youths. We're all going
to be working together."

Buckle stressed that enforcement is only one aspect of her job and that she
won't be going school to school searching lockers for narcotics.

For her, a big part of the assignment is being a positive role model for
students, she said.

"I think my past experience will pay off in terms of dealing with the
issues young people face.

"Some (students) will present challenges for sure, but there is very little
that can't be dealt with through open and positive communication."

Insp. Clair Hayward, acting commanding officer of the Kamloops RCMP, said
Buckle's presence will give students another avenue in which they can say
no to drugs.

"To put her out there as a one person crime buster, that's not going to
happen," he said. "But it does give students one more pillar that they can
turn to."

She will be supported by the RCMP's current part-time school liaison
officer, who will start the position full-time next week, he said.

"They will complement this officer (Buckle) by managing programs like DARE."

Buckle's position is paid for by the school district, while the RCMP covers
the cost of the second officer.

Terry Sullivan, superintendent for School District 73, said Buckle will not
replace current police services in the district.

"She is meant to complement and assist existing services like the
anti-bullying and safe school programs."

So far, parents and teachers have been supportive of the venture.

"There may be those with reservations but they aren't calling in. I believe
Const. Buckle will be very well received."