TRUSTEE CLAIMS DRUG-FREE ZONES A FAILURE

Drug-free zones have not been able to curb the use of narcotics in
school districts, said North Okanagan--Shuswap School District trustee
Jock McArthur to Armstrong council on Monday.

The zones, which can be mentioned in sentencing for offenders caught
dealing drugs in the area, have not resulted in increased sentences
for traffickers, nor have they resulted in decreased drug use in those
districts employing drug-free areas.

"In talking to other cities with drug-free zones, the cities have not
seen an increase in sentencing," said McArthur, explaining the
district's reasoning for not asking for such a zone to be placed
around schools.

"We felt we need more than just a sign in a school yard saying this is
a drug-free zone."

He was joined by Pleasant Valley Secondary School principal Joe
Rhodes, who said that the zones have potential but at their current
stage have little impact.

"We need, I believe, to find some ways to put some teeth into more
than putting up a sign saying this is a drug-free zone."

McArthur added the RCMP have told the pair that the current drug-free
zones are simply not effective.

"They felt that unless we can get some teeth in these things, you can
call it what you want but all you've got is a sign."

Rhodes said schools, through suspensions and other punishments,
currently have more power than local municipalities in dealing with
students who use drugs and alcohol.

"We believe we do have a drug-free zone. We don't advertise it as such
but kids do know," said Rhodes, pointing to stiff punishments for any
students showing up to class under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.

But while McArthur and Rhodes were both disillusioned by the
negligible effects of drug-free zones in other communities, several
members of Armstrong council said doing nothing was not an option.

"I just have a hard time buying that to do nothing is acceptable,"
said Coun. Pat Hudson, adding that he couldn't see a downside to
declaring a drug-free zone, whatever the lack of successes in other
areas.

"To buy, well it isn't working there...so therefore it won't work in
our (community), I don't think is an acceptable response.

"The more education we put out there and the more we talk about it; if
we stop one kid from going there we've accomplished something."

Mayor Jerry Oglow agreed with Hudson and said that the city should
take the opportunity to forge new ground on the issues.

"One of the best ways to affect change is to engage a number of people
and organizations in the community to work hand in glove together to
try and affect change and put more teeth in something."

Pointing to Armstrong's small size, Oglow said there is an opportunity
to try a new approach to drug-free zones on a small scale.

"I really believe there is an opportunity in our little community here
to maybe try something on the cutting edge."