Pubdate: Sun, 29 Apr 2001
Source: Bakersfield Californian (CA)
Copyright: 2001, The Bakersfield Californian
Contact:  http://www.bakersfield.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/36
Author: Chris Ramirez, Californian staff writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

DELANO OFFICERS LAUD DARE PROGRAM

DELANO -- For Delano policeman Keith Powers, his involvement with the 
community's first Drug Abuse Resistance Education program had one drawback: 
It'll be a tough act to follow next year.

Delano's DARE program wrapped up in March, graduating 763 fifth-graders.

DARE is the most widely used program to discourage drug use among 
schoolchildren, targeting especially those in elementary and middle school.

It is taught in about 75 percent of school districts nationwide, including 
those in Kern County.

Three officers in Delano -- Powers, Benjamin Rutledge and Manuel Flores -- 
received training for DARE education last summer after intensive two-week 
courses administered by the Los Angeles Unified School District.

While there, officers were trained on public speaking and given tips on how 
to teach children while not coming off as too preachy.

Police Chief Jack Griggs touted the program as "the single best tool the 
department has to fighting drug abuse in Delano."

For now, the program involves only fifth-graders in Delano.

Delano DARE officers often have to give presentations to classes, as well 
as conduct after-school activities aimed at dissuading children from 
substance abuse.

Powers, who started with the Delano force as a reserve officer in 1989, 
credited the program with breaking down barriers between children and 
police, making officers more approachable.

"In the past, when an officer came onto a campus, you'd hear 'Who are you 
here for?' or 'What happened?'" Powers said.

"Now, it's like 'Hey, Officer Powers, gimme five' or 'Do you want to play 
some basketball?' The whole attitude has changed."

DARE classes run 17 weeks from September to March.

Plans already are in the works for next year's class, said Powers, also the 
community resource officer for Almond Tree Middle School.
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