DARE PROGRAM MUST BE KEPT OPERATING

Pre-teen and early adolescent years are some of the toughest for today's
youth, and many find themselves walking down the wrong path as they succumb
to the pressures by turning to drugs. This very important segment of our
population needs all the help it can get and the re-entry of the Drug Abuse
Resistance Education program in to the Dublin City School System is reassuring.

The DARE program was halted for a year due to lack of an officer trained in
the program. But thanks to Dublin Police Chief Wayne Cain and DARE Officer
Walter Johnson elementary school students will have the benefit of being
exposed to the program that can give them the courage, strength and
resources to stay drug free.

DARE has profoundly reduced the number of youngsters who turn to drugs to
escape or to experiment. The trained officer who has seen the impact of
drugs first-hand on the street can take that experience straight into the
classroom. These young students are not dumb to the ways of the world,
unfortunately, and they need someone who will give them straight answers to
tough questions. The DARE officer is that source.

Johnson will conduct the program at Moore Street School which serves fourth
- -and fifth-grade students. Pressures from society and peers are tough at
this age. Building the confidence to stay away from drugs is crucial and
can help them stay drug free into the teen and young adult years.

It is also good to see that DARE has evolved from a predominately
lecture-based program to one that encourages interaction between the
students and the DARE officer. If a student feels comfortable communicating
with the officer or another adult he is more likely to find productive ways
to confront an issue or solve a problem than turning to drugs. A healthy,
respectful relationship between the students and law enforcement also is a
positive byproduct of DARE.

DARE has made a tremendous impact on Laurens County and Dublin City school
students since its inception. Both systems and law enforcement must do
whatever it takes to keep the program operating.