Pubdate: Fri, 16 Sep 2005
Source: Similkameen Spotlight (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Similkameen Spotlight
Contact:  http://www.similkameenspotlight.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3484
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)

POLICE BACK TO SCHOOL

Children are not the only ones returning to school this
week.

Members of the Princeton RCMP detachment will be answering the bell,
too.

Sgt. Kurt Lozinski says local officers will "definitely be stepping up
enforcement within the school zones" this week.

He adds the Citizen On Patrol group will also be out in force with
their Speed Watch program, which features the large electronic board
that shows drivers how fast their travelling. "It's very
successful."

The RCMP commanding officer notes driver's who are speeding
excessively will receive a letter for the first infraction and
subsequent infractions result in a visit from an RCMP officer and
possible charges.

"Most people are pretty good [about driving carefully]. I think the
biggest thing is people getting back into their routines and allowing
themselves enough time get their kids - safely - back to school."

There has been some issues about the movement of vehicles in school
zone and students walking, he adds, and police are working with
principals to address that problem.

Noting there are crossing guards at some of the major intersections in
downtown Princeton, Lozinski says drivers have to "absolutely" obey
the commands from these volunteers.

However, the detachment's involvement with local schools doesn't end
with stepped-up enforcement during the first couple weeks in
September. In fact, the police are working with students and educators
throughout the school year.

Lozinski says every member of the detachment is assigned to a
particular school as a school liaison. "We'll be back in the schools
now, working with the teachers and just being up front and more
personal with the kids."

There are a mandated number of visit each officer makes in a month and
they work directly with the principals to come up with programs, he
adds. They also get involved in school reading programs and do "talks"
throughout the year.

Noting the detachment lost its Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE)
instructor two years ago, Lozinski says they are trying to get another
instructor.

Three times a year at the high school, he hosts informative meetings
about drugs with teachers, parents and students.

"I bring samples in so the parents can see them. A lot of parents
don't know what crystal meth looks like.

"We talk about symptoms and how to deal with it. Collectively, we try
to come up with some solutions."

Officers also get involved in sports programs at the high school as
another way of keeping in touch with local teenagers. This usually
involves challenges with whatever sport is in season.

Noting the involvement with local schools is quite extensive, Lozinski
says he believes it's very important. The extra effort has paid
dividends, too.

"It has decrease our calls for services involving youths and youth
crimes. It has dropped 70 per cent since it was implemented three
years ago."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin