HURON OPP SPEAKS TO SPS STUDENTS ABOUT CRIMESTOPPERS AND DRUGS

Seaforth Public students spent a day with Huron OPP officers last week
learning about Crime Stoppers and drugs.

Senior Constable Don Shropshall spoke to Grade 6 and 8 classes Jan. 14
about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

"Right now the students are at the age where we feel we can change their
minds about drugs," Shropshall explained.

"In Grades 6 to 8 they're past the kid stage and starting to become young
adults. They become a little harder to get through to once they've reached
high school."

Shropshall gave the younger class a basic overview of tobacco and alcohol
and how it affects their bodies.

"They tried these glasses on that simulated the feeling of being
intoxicated," said SPS Grade 6 teacher Carolyn Griffin.

"It was very revealing for them and they were surprised by how much the
glasses affected them immediately."

Students timed themselves walking through an obstacle course in the
classroom with and without the glasses on.

"It took them almost one-and-a-third times as long to get through with the
glasses on," laughed Griffin.

The presentation for older students went beyond basic information and
explained what occurs in cases of alcohol poisoning and crashes caused by
drunk driving.

"The kids were very perceptive to the program and shocked by the explicit
video showing how alcohol and tobacco can damage the liver and lungs,"
commented SPS Grade 8 teacher Georgina Reynolds.

"We want to give them the information to make intelligent decisions when
faced with peer pressure situations."

Shropshall said that he sees local schools becoming interested in the OPP
awareness programs this year. In the fall, he spoke to the Grade 8s about
harassment and vandalism.

"It's part of the health and guidance curriculum and if there are experts
available, we might as well be using them," said Reynolds. Presentations on
bullying, 911 emergencies and bicycle safety have also been scheduled for
the future.

Crime Stoppers coordinator Steve Beasley also spoke to the older students,
as part of the Crime Stoppers month student awareness program.

He encouraged the students to report any information they have about crimes
committed or planned within their school or community.

"The students responsible for Columbine had a plan and other kids heard of
their plan, but didn't tell anyone," Beasley explained. "If they would've
called an organization like Crime Stoppers the police would've intervened
and those kids would still be alive today. Just a simple call can make a
world of difference."

Last year Crime Stoppers received 11 calls from Seaforth residents and one
charge was laid.

Beasley told students that Crime Stoppers is currently helping police solve
Huron East crimes such as the garbage can fire at a Seaforth bank and
stolen snowblowers.

"We get calls in every day, but it's not like on television, it takes a
little longer and there's no standard time," he explained. "Whether it's a
few weeks or a couple months, the bottom line is that the bad guys have got
to get caught."

Reynolds can see her students benefit from interacting with police in the
classroom.

"I think it's good for the OPP to be involved in the classrooms and be seen
as a positive thing."

"At this age kids are beginning to get curious about drug and alcohol. It's
definitely an issue that's out there and on their minds," said Griffin.