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Over 70 McKim students graduate DARE
Two Kimberley Detachment RCMP officers, Cst. Huffman and Cst. Balzer, have just completed instructing the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) course at McKim Middle School.
Over 70 grade five students graduated after participating in nine sessions.
DARE goes beyond traditional drug abuse and violence prevention programs. It gives children the skills needed to recognize and resist the subtle and overt pressures that cause them to experiment with drugs or become involved in gangs or violent activities.
In addition DARE has a number community related benefits including;
DARE ‘humanizes’ the police: that is, young people can begin to relate to officers as people
DARE permits students to see officers in a helping role, not just an enforcement role
DARE opens lines of communication between law enforcement and youth
DARE Officers can serve as conduits to provide information beyond drug-related topics
DARE opens dialogue between the school, police, and parents to deal with other issues
Sgt Laurie Jalbert, who has also done DARE training says, this is an excellent program that builds relationships between students and police that will have positive impact in the community
Cpl Chris Newel, acting Operations NCO says the two officers went above and beyond, adjusting their schedule to accommodate the students, coming in on their day off and putting in the extra time needed. At the same time they still maintained a position on the shift rotation and carried a file load like other officers. They are to be commended for their commitment.
Viveka Johnson, Principal of McKim Middle School, DARE demystifies drugs and alcohol for students, and it teaches the grade 5s how to prepare themselves when faced with a difficult life decisions. DARE teaches life skills, and helps to promote a safe and caring community and school environment. McKim appreciates the continued support from the Kimberley RCMP detachment, and would like to thank Cst Huffman and Balzer for their dedication to this program, and allowing it to be a continued success at McKim school.
Above photo: Cst. Balzer with a group of students with their DARE 2B ME shirts.
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