D.A.R.E. PROGRAM HAS NEW WHEELS

PARKERSBURG -- The police department's D.A.R.E. program has some new wheels.

For the first time, the department has its own D.A.R.E vehicle, a 2000
Dodge Dakota Quad Cab, said Detective Greg Collins.

The vehicle is equipped with four-wheel-drive and standard police
equipment, including a light bar installed Thursday.

Lt. Scott Morgan, D.A.R.E. officer, will use the truck in conjunction with
the program and it will make appearances at many of the department's public
functions.

Morgan said the department has been using the truck for about six months,
but it was completed this week when the light bar was added.

The vehicle isn't just a public relations tool, Morgan said. It is a
fully-equipped police vehicle and can be used for a variety of purposes.

Collins said the truck came in handy during the massive winter snowstorm in
February. The vehicle's four-wheel-drive was useful on the snow-covered
streets.

The used truck was purchased using money normally allocated for department
vehicles, but all the accessories were paid for using drug asset forfeiture
funds and donations, said Police Chief Robert Newell.

The vehicle is red and is decked out with decals by Sign Language in
Parkersburg, a topper from Leonard's and a light bar from Franklin Fire
Equipment in Marietta.

Collins said the vehicle is designed to grab children's attention and often
accomplishes this.

The vehicle will make an appearance at this year's Homecoming celebration
along with the D.A.R.E. boat, D.A.R.E. trailer and the department's Crime
Scene Unit.

Collins said the D.A.R.E. truck, along with the department's other
specialized vehicles like the Crime Scene Unit and the S.W.A.T. van, has
positive effects on recruitment.

"It gives us an upper edge on what has been a declining recruitment in the
last couple of years," Collins said.

The department's D.A.R.E. program started in 1988. Morgan has been the
program's representative since then. Morgan teaches the D.A.R.E. curriculum
in 11 city elementary schools.