AWARENESS KEY TO DRUG PREVENTION

Illegal drugs is an issue that affects everybody, and the only way to
prevent people from walking across that destructive tight-rope, is through
eduction, communication, and awareness.

Since illegal drugs are unfortunately everywhere these days, tackling this
issue is obviously a very difficult task. Ridding the streets of drugs is
only going to happen through hard work, and awareness.

"I think this is not something that can happen overnight," said Sergeant
Bob Phillips of the Olds RCMP. "This is a social problem. It's more than a
policing problem. It's a society problem."

Unfortunately, drugs are part of our environment, and sadly, it's in our
schools and in the face of the youth. The real key to preventing our youths
from falling victim to these dangers, is by educating them before it
becomes a problem.

"Education and communication are the real keys to preventing someone from
using drugs," continued Sgt. Phillips. "The more awareness that people have
regarding these issues, the easier it is to make an impact."

Another issue for the RCMP, is preparing and educating individuals before
they make a decision that will haunt them for the rest of their days.

"We try to do proactive things," continued Sgt. Phillips. "We have the DARE
program in our schools, and we have three fully-trained instructors here.

And we try to cover as many schools as we can, because if you miss one
school, then maybe your missing a problem."

Obviously, covering as much ground regarding drug awarness as possible, is
extremely important.

"The reason I went with three instructors, is that I figured if we had
three instructors available, it would give us more coverage in the
community. We want to be available to the people that want our help."

A major advantage for the local RCMP, is that Olds is a community that
communicates. Having a network of individuals that communicates obviously
makes it easier for the RCMP to catch the law-breaking individuals.

"We hear about a lot of things, and eventually, we hear about everything,"
said Sgt. Phillips. "In Olds, and smaller communities like Olds, people are
more trusting. They want to help us help them. So, we receive a lot of
information from the local individuals."

Thankfully, the youth of today is a lot more responsible, and willing to
assist with these types of problems. But like everything else, the few bad
eggs spoil it for the rest, and unfortunately, those are the individuals
that the general public is constantly hearing about.

"The youth these days, are a lot more cooperative, and eager to help," said
Sgt. Phillips. "More and more, these kids are feeling more confident about
approaching us. And that's what we like to see. Most of these kids realize
that we just want to help."

If you have an issue that you would like to bring to the attention of the
RCMP, call Sgt. Phillips at 556-3324.