LOCAL DRUG EDUCATION PROGRAM TO CONTINUE

Marietta Police and the Washington County Sheriff's Office have
decided to continue the drug education program known as DARE this
school year even if there is no state money to support the effort.

DARE - Drug Abuse Resistance Education - teaches fifth- and
sixth-graders about the dangers of drugs. Officers go into classrooms
throughout Washington County to work with the youngsters. One of the
reasons both departments have decided to continue is the positive
comments DARE generates from children who go through the program and
their parents.

"Both my boys seemed to enjoy it. They seemed to talk a lot about
staying off of drugs and not drinking. It seems like something that
they ought to continue," said Brenda Travis, of 5040 Germantown Road,
Lower Salem, who had sons, Brandon and Rodney, go through the program
at Salem-Liberty Elementary School.

Several area schools at the end of the year conducted DARE
graduations, which many parents attended.

"We're not sure we will get any money for it this year, but even if we
do not, we feel we will go ahead with the program," said Marietta
Police Chief Brett McKitrick. "If we continue beyond that, it will
depend on city finances."

McKitrick approached City Council last week about applying for funds
for the new school year. There was some concern the state would not
fund the program for the new year due to state budget cuts. McKitrick
said he received word there will be about $3.5 million available for
local law enforcement agencies for DARE.

The Ohio Attorney General's office created a grant program in 1993
through increased license reinstatement fees imposed by the state's
drunken driving law. The program helps pay for a portion of the salary
of one officer.

In most years, the city of Marietta receives $8,000 to $9,000, which
pays for about 40 percent of the officer's salary for the time he
spends working in the classrooms.

Marietta has participated in DARE since its inception in
1993.

It is the same story at the Washington County Sheriff's Office, which
supports a DARE officer at the county schools. Chief Deputy Larry
Mincks said the office will apply for funds this year in hope of
getting some state money. But even if the office does not get the
money, it will continue for the year.

"We would cover all the costs for this year, but after that it would
have to be evaluated," Mincks said. "We believe the program is
valuable, and we get very good comments from the schools about it."

One issue for all agencies who participate is some recent reports that
the program is not as effective as other means to keep young people
off of drugs. Mincks said that is an issue the department will review
in the future.

When questions were raised by several state legislators last year
about the effectiveness of DARE, the sheriff's office reviewed the
program and determined it should continue.