Pubdate: Tue, 25 Nov 2003 Source: Williams Lake Tribune, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2003 Williams Lake Tribune Contact: http://www.wltribune.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1226 Author: Sonya Klausat Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?217 (Drug-Free Zones) DRUG-FREE ZONE LOOKED AT FOR TWO LOCAL SCHOOLS Students, teachers, parents, RCMP, city representatives and members of the local chapter of Crimestoppers attended a meeting last Wednesday to discuss the possibility of establishing Drug Free Zones around the two Williams Lake high schools. "Our youth today are the largest by volume group involved in organized crime," said Pete Netherway, coordinator for the Kamloops and District Crime Stoppers Association. Netherway spoke to the group about how Drug Free Zones work, and what it would take to get them started. While the boundaries of the zones would still have to be established, Netherway that through the program, the threat of stronger penalties can help deter drug pushers away from schools. "If you're using drugs, or you're trafficking, you're going to court," he said, adding that because of the Drug Free Zone, the Crown prosecution can request double the fine for possession and triple the fine for trafficking. He said the boundaries of the Drug Free Zones often take in local residences, which can be upsetting to any drug users or traffickers living there, because of the constant threat of stiffer penalties. "I can tell you categorically, if you institute this program, there will be some drug dealers in Williams Lake that will not be happy," he said. All fines collected would go back into the Student Crimestoppers program, which would be instrumental for getting the Drug Free Zones up and running. So far, only Columneetza has a Student Crime Stoppers group. Crime Stoppers is a big part of the Drug Free Zones, he said, because students know they can call the tips line anonymously and point law enforcement to illegal drug activity. "Kids actually start caring about what's happening because they see something positive happening," he said. At the meeting, the question arose who would be responsible for deciding whether to implement the Drug Free Zones. Netherway said it often starts with the school's student council. As elected representatives of the school, they can choose to do what's best on behalf of their fellow students, he said. However, some students at the meeting felt that would be a lot to ask of a few students, and questioned whether all students shouldn 't have the opportunity to vote on whether to implement the program. "With the present climate regarding the use of drugs, it would be voted no," Netherway said, adding that while many students may agree with the program, they may vote otherwise for fear there could be "alienation and retribution for their vote." If a vote were to be held, students should "have all the facts" about the program beforehand, Netherway added. "I don't think it should be a question of whether kids want it or not," said Jim Ritchie, vice principal at Columneetza. Ritchie said the School District and the city should be behind implementing the program, instead of placing most of the burden on the students. No matter who gets behind starting the program, RCMP Staff Sgt. Grant Martin said the Williams Lake detachment would support having Drug Free Zones for the high schools. "This type of thing certainly gives us a lot more ammunition," he said. "I think that would send a strong message to these drug traffickers." Following the meeting last week, District Principal Sandy Fukushima told members of the school district's education committee that a separate committee, made up of representatives of the different groups that had attended the information meeting, will work together to try to implement the Drug Free Zones. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin