Pubdate: Wed, 02 Mar 2005
Source: Palatka Daily News (FL)
Copyright: Palatka Daily News 2005
Contact:  http://www.palatkadailynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2098
Author: Robert Morris
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

PCSO studies DARE program

Hardy's Slot Unlikely To Be Filled; Money To Be Used Elsewhere

The vacancy at the head of the school resource unit is unlikely to be 
filled by a new supervisor, Sheriff Dean Kelly said Monday, and the money 
the position will free could fund a new anti-drug program in the elementary 
schools.

Instead of promoting a new lieutenant to head the unit, Kelly said he plans 
to hire a new deputy to travel to elementary schools for classes and 
demonstrations as part of the national Drug Abuse Resistance Education 
(DARE) program.

"A long time ago, we had a strong DARE program and I want to get back to 
that," Kelly said. "My goal is to get an officer back in the elementary 
school system."

School Superintendent David Buckles said Tuesday that he and Kelly had 
informally discussed the idea.

"I think it's a good idea," Buckles said. "I think we should focus on 
prevention, instead of the end result, which is a child breaking the law."

DARE is a nationwide program that trains specialized officers to go into 
school systems and teach students about the dangers of drug use. Kelly said 
the DARE officer will circulate among the district's nine elementary 
schools, creating a law enforcement presence in the elementary schools 
while conducting the anti-drug programs.

"We'll start getting into the elementary schools and talking to those 
students," Kelly said.

"Elementary school is a critical time for children to gain the trust for 
law enforcement officers, to understand that they're there to help and not 
just catch them doing something bad," Buckles said.

The lieutenant position over the school resource unit has for all practical 
purposes been vacant for several months. Former Lt. Jeff Hardy resigned in 
February was on medical leave for several months before resigning.

The head of the school resource unit will be Sgt. Mike Oglesbee, formerly 
Hardy's second-in-command, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

"Instead of having two supervisors, we'll have one," Kelly said. "After 
talking to Sgt. Oglesbee, he feels like he can handle the supervisory 
position."

The details of the new program are still being worked out, Kelly said. 
Buckles said he expects to meet with the sheriff soon on a more formal plan.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom