Pubdate: Wed, 28 Jan 2004
Source: Olds Gazette, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2004 The Olds Gazette
Contact:  http://oldsgazette.awna.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2372
Author: Stan Siegenberg

AWARENESS KEY TO DRUG PREVENTION

Illegal drugs is an issue that affects everybody, and the only way to 
prevent people from walking across that destructive tight-rope, is through 
eduction, communication, and awareness.

Since illegal drugs are unfortunately everywhere these days, tackling this 
issue is obviously a very difficult task. Ridding the streets of drugs is 
only going to happen through hard work, and awareness.

"I think this is not something that can happen overnight," said Sergeant 
Bob Phillips of the Olds RCMP. "This is a social problem. It's more than a 
policing problem. It's a society problem."

Unfortunately, drugs are part of our environment, and sadly, it's in our 
schools and in the face of the youth. The real key to preventing our youths 
from falling victim to these dangers, is by educating them before it 
becomes a problem.

"Education and communication are the real keys to preventing someone from 
using drugs," continued Sgt. Phillips. "The more awareness that people have 
regarding these issues, the easier it is to make an impact."

Another issue for the RCMP, is preparing and educating individuals before 
they make a decision that will haunt them for the rest of their days.

"We try to do proactive things," continued Sgt. Phillips. "We have the DARE 
program in our schools, and we have three fully-trained instructors here.

And we try to cover as many schools as we can, because if you miss one 
school, then maybe your missing a problem."

Obviously, covering as much ground regarding drug awarness as possible, is 
extremely important.

"The reason I went with three instructors, is that I figured if we had 
three instructors available, it would give us more coverage in the 
community. We want to be available to the people that want our help."

A major advantage for the local RCMP, is that Olds is a community that 
communicates. Having a network of individuals that communicates obviously 
makes it easier for the RCMP to catch the law-breaking individuals.

"We hear about a lot of things, and eventually, we hear about everything," 
said Sgt. Phillips. "In Olds, and smaller communities like Olds, people are 
more trusting. They want to help us help them. So, we receive a lot of 
information from the local individuals."

Thankfully, the youth of today is a lot more responsible, and willing to 
assist with these types of problems. But like everything else, the few bad 
eggs spoil it for the rest, and unfortunately, those are the individuals 
that the general public is constantly hearing about.

"The youth these days, are a lot more cooperative, and eager to help," said 
Sgt. Phillips. "More and more, these kids are feeling more confident about 
approaching us. And that's what we like to see. Most of these kids realize 
that we just want to help."

If you have an issue that you would like to bring to the attention of the 
RCMP, call Sgt. Phillips at 556-3324.
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