Pubdate: Sat, 08 Sep 2012
Source: Leavenworth Times, The (KS)
Copyright: 2012.GateHouse Media, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3199
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Author: John Richmeier

LEAVENWORTH D.A.R.E. PROGRAM BEING PUT ON HOLD

Leavenworth, Kan. - With the approaching retirement of its Drug Abuse 
Resistance Education officer, the Leavenworth Police Department is 
going to put the D.A.R.E. program on hold, a department official said.

Leavenworth Police Chief Pat Kitchens said he doesn't anticipate the 
program, which is taught by police to school children, will be 
reinstated before the next school year.

"It's not a simple task to replace a D.A.R.E. officer," Kitchens said.

He said the position requires training. And manpower issues also may 
have an impact.

The city's current D.A.R.E. officer, Mark Lingenfelser, is retiring 
later this month. The Leavenworth Police Department traditionally has 
provided the program in public and parochial schools in the city.

Kitchens said Lingenfelser has started teaching the D.A.R.E. program 
at one school, Saint Paul Lutheran School, since the 2012-2013 school 
year began.

"We'll be able to finish that one," Kitchens said.

He said D.A.R.E. classes weren't started at any other Leavenworth school.

Even though it's being put on hold, Kitchens said Leavenworth police 
officials believe in the D.A.R.E. program.

In addition to the classes offered during the school year, the 
Leavenworth Police Department traditionally offers a D.A.R.E. summer 
camp. Kitchens said it's a little early to say whether or not the 
camp will be offered during the summer of 2013.
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