Pubdate: Thu, 10 Apr 2014
Source: Journal News, The (NY)
Copyright: 2014 The Gannett Company, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.lohud.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1205
Author: Steve Lieberman

FROM DRUG CAR TO DRUG EDUCATION VEHICLE IN SPRING VALLEY

SPRING VALLEY  A car used by drug dealers will now help educate young
people against using drugs.

The black Chrysler PT Cruiser now carries the Spring Valley Police
Department orange DARE logo, for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. The
nationwide program involves police officers working with students to
discourage substance abuse.

The Rockland County District Attorney's Office seized the four-door
car during an investigation that led to multiple arrests, said Officer
Francis Brooke, the department's DARE cop also assigned to Spring
Valley High School as a school resource officer.

"What was once used for drug dealing is now being used for drug
education to benefit the kids in Spring Valley," Brooke said. "Unlike
other jurisdictions who received new vehicles from car dealerships,
this vehicle is the product of good police work and the generosity of
community spirit."

The car was repaired and painted by Ramapo Collision in Monsey, said,
Brooke, who drives it. The wheels were donated by Tire Warehouse in
Spring Valley and tinting and detailing were added by Sam's Window
Tinting in Nanuet.

The Police Department unveiled the car Wednesday.

Spring Valley has run a DARE program since 1989. 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D