Pubdate: Fri, 03 Dec 2004
Source: Orillia Today (CN ON)
Copyright: 2004, Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing
Contact:  http://www.simcoe.com/sc/orillia/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1508
Author: Frank Matys
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

POT SMOKERS SUPPORT ANTI-DRUG PROGRAM

Pot smokers busted for possession are avoiding the damaging stigma of
a criminal record by dishing out dollars that help educate area youth
on the dangers of drug use.

In a unique arrangement supported by court officials and local police,
individuals caught with small amounts of marijuana are having the
charges dropped if they donate to a drug awareness program targeting
the region's Grade 6 students.

According to OPP Insp. Jim Szarka, the new money couldn't have come at
a better time. "It is an extremely important program and we were
struggling to find local sponsors," he told Orillia Today.

The arrangement stems from a commonly used process known as diversion,
in which small-time offenders avoid criminal prosecution by making a
financial contribution to a hospital, addiction research or a related
cause.

Working with the Crown, the local detachment decided to take the
concept one step further by earmarking those funds for its so-called
DARE program, delivered to students in Orillia, Ramara Township and
Severn.

Unsurprisingly, diversion is proving to be a popular choice among
those nabbed by the long arm of the law, with pot users contributing
more than $7,000 to the in-school drug education program since last
March.

Individual donations have ranged from $75 to $400, depending on the
circumstances.

"You are being given your one break, and you have hopefully benefitted
not only yourself, but helped other people by contributing to a
charity," said Rachel Jones, federal Crown in Orillia.

A collaborative effort involving police, teachers, students, and
parents, the DARE program was designed to prevent or reduce drug abuse
and violence among youth.

Students are taught to recognize and resist the peer pressures that
lead them to experiment with alcohol, cigarettes, pot and other drugs.

"Even if we can reach a couple of students per class, it will mean
less violations in the future," Szarka said of the initiative.

Until recently, the local detachment was forced to rely solely on
community donations to fund the widely accessed program, which
requires work booklets, graduation materials and other resources.

"You have to seek some manner in which we can keep money going in to
cover the hard costs," added Szarka.

Whether or not diversion is offered depends on individual
circumstances, with prosecutors taking into consideration the quantity
of drug seized and any past offenses, said Jones.

"Usually, if it is under 10 grams of marijuana, if there is no record,
if it is not in the possession of someone who is driving a vehicle or
if there is no evidence of consumption in that vehicle," she added.

Those who cannot afford to make a donation are asked to perform
community service work instead, said Jones, adding that diversion is
not offered if the person is caught with pot while in school.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin