FORT'S DARE PROGRAM NOT IN JEOPARDY

While several schools in Strathcona County have lost DARE, the program is
very much alive and thriving in the Fort Saskatchewan RCMP detachment area.
"It's a viable program that receives extremely positive feedback," says
Fort Saskatchewan RCMP Staff Sgt. Nick Taylor of the Drug Abuse Resistance
Education program which has existed in the Fort since 1996.

Sherwood Park RCMP announced plans last week to drop the program in several
schools due to the lack of manpower funding. In that municipality, DARE is
funded by the police department and too often officers have had to instruct
on their days off as they're needed elsewhere when on shift.

Fort Saskatchewan is fortunate in that DARE has been financially supported
by corporate sponsors.

"We're thankful to Dow and for the assistance of the Fort Saskatchewan
Elks," comments Taylor, adding there has also been donations through the
years from other organizations in the community.

All grade six students in Fort Saskatchewan and the detachment area as well
as the northeast part of Strathcona County that is now policed by Sherwood
Park, receive DARE.

Fort students in grades 7 and 10 also receive age-appropriate instruction.
Fort Saskatchewan has blazed the trail in offering DARE at the various age
levels, always one of the first communities in Canada to do so.

In total, the detachment has six officers who share the duties of DARE
instruction.

As well as lessons in drug awareness, DARE teaches young people life skills
and hopefully, the ability to make the right choices when faced with
difficult decisions.

The program addresses issues such as violence, anger management, media
influence, and peer pressure.

Taylor is also grateful to the City of Fort Saskatchewan and council for
providing one full police position for the DARE program.

"Thanks to their wisdom and commitment to a caring community, they said
'yes' when I requested a position," he comments.

DARE is well-received in the schools with Fort High now offering two
credits to grade 10 students who successfully complete the program, notes
Taylor. A survey of high school students, he says, indicates the program is
viewed as beneficial.

"The youth representative on the city's policing committee also speaks
highly of the program," adds Taylor.