IN-SCHOOL COPS TOUTED

Would Curb Drugs, Gang Sway, City Officials Say

Winnipeg would take a big step toward stomping out its gang problem by
putting police officers in its high schools, a Calgary cop says.

The Alberta city's growing police school-residency program has officers in
almost all of its 26 secondary mainstream and Catholic institutions during
the entire day, every day.

City hall will soon weigh the benefits of a similar project here.

OUTLAW GANG

With the Hells Angels outlaw gang launching what authorities see as an
effort to intimidate the public, some say a move to set up in-school police
offices couldn't be better timed.

"It will have a negative impact on the gangs and a positive impact on the
community, absolutely," says Sgt. Brad Berrow, who supervises the program
costing Calgary about $1 million each year.

Coun. Garth Steek is trying to bring it to the 'Peg's vocational schools
and collegiates.

"We know that ultimately the drugs sold at schools are controlled by
organized gangs. You've got to be proactive, not reactive," Steek said,
adding he'll bring council's protection committee a request this week for a
trial run of the Calgary-style effort.

"Look at the papers every day now," noted the River Heights politician.
"When the gangs are fire-bombing police officers' homes, how can anybody be
safe if you're allowing that mentality to take a foothold in the community?"

A move to put cops in three Winnipeg high schools on a part-time basis is
awaiting funding. But Steek says the money for an all-out police presence
can and should be found -- and pointed to talk of a beefed-up investment in
CentreVenture Development Corp. as an example.

"If we can find $7 million for CentreVenture, we can sure come up with $1
million for a program of this nature."

In addition to giving justice-related lectures, the Calgary school cops
serve as role models and counsellors while reacting to assaults, robberies
and drug incidents.

"I don't think Calgary has the same gang issues Winnipeg has," Berrow said.
"But schools are gathering points for these kids, hence it's important for
us to make inroads into their activities and networks."

MORE PRESSING PRIORITIES

One obstacle might be police Chief Jack Ewatski, who recently said the
service has more pressing priorities.

But Coun. Mark Lubosch (North Kildonan) said students could benefit from
seeing cops in school.

"It's that role model," he said.