RCMP TO TEACH DARE-ING NEW PROGRAM AT LOCAL SCHOOLS

Portage la Prairie RCMP plans to introduce a new program early in the new
year aimed at getting more children to say no to drugs. "We're going to
teach kids about drugs, give them tools that will enable them to say 'Not
interested' or 'I don't have time for drugs' if they're offered marijuana,
alcohol or tobacco and the like," said RCMP Const. Bill Lumsdon, one of two
local police officers trained to teach a course called Drug Abuse
Resistance Education, or DARE.

Since Lumsdon received his DARE training in October, he has become a strong
supporter of the program which was launched in Manitoba in 2000.

He is anxious to get the program off the ground in Portage.

"I've seen the effects of drugs on kids. If I can save one or two out of a
30-kid class from drug abuse, it will be well worth my efforts," said Lumsdon.

He explained under the 17-week program, students in grades 5 and 6 will be
taught about self-esteem, the consequences of drug use, how to manage
stress without taking controlled substances, and techniques to resist peer
pressure.

"The program is specifically designed for kids at these grade levels
because they are so impressionable at this age. This is when they need to
get the message that they have other choices besides doing drugs," Lumsdon
said while reviewing curriculum material yesterday afternoon.

"When they're finished, they'll have tools for everyday living that they
can take with them as they get older. It'll really help in the long run,"
he added.

Police believe the prevention program will be an effective tool in its
campaign to curb the growing drug trade in the Portage area. "We're always
dealing with drugs that are a concern in this community .... I've also been
in situations to seize drugs in massive amounts throughout the province of
Manitoba. We know it is a big industry," Lums-don said.

"It now appears more kids are getting involved with drugs at an earlier age
.... By running DARE, we're optimistic that over the long term, we can not
only help reduce those numbers but cut down on overall drug activity as well."

The RCMP has received the green light to offer DARE at two city schools -
La Verendrye and Fort la Reine - beginning in January. Dennis Shindle,
assistant superintendent of the Portage la Prairie School Division, said
DARE will be a good addition to the drug and alcohol awareness programs
already in place.

"We think this program will give information to children at a young age
that will have a good impact on them," said Shindle. "It will certainly be
a good support to the comprehensive drug/alcohol program for K through 12."

While Lumsdon waits to launch the initiative, he is trying to drum up
financial support within the community for the program. He said it costs on
average about $40 per child to offer the course.

"We're asking community members who have kids in schools to sponsor
children or give cash donations. We want them to identify the program as
being worthwhile and support it," added Lumsdon.

The money will be used to purchase teaching materials and promotional items
for participating students.