Linton chief proud of DARE program
By Timberly Ferree, staff writer
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The Linton-Stockton Elementary and the Linton Police Department have
currently teamed up in an effort to educate fifth-graders though the DARE (Drug
Awareness Resistance and Education) program.
“We are the first in the county to have a DARE class and an officer in the
school,” explained LPD Chief Troy Jerrell. “This is the first time in
“This is part of a program labeled through a grant PAM (Police as Mentors) and
through Greene County Child Protective Services.”
By utilizing both the DARE program and PAM a police officer is in the school
for 20 to 25 hours a week, Jerrell explained.
“We're real excited about it. We worked hard to get this program up and running
... there has been a lot of coordinated effort between the LPD and school,” he
said.
Debbie McDonald is the police officer who is teaching the program at the
school, Jerrell explained.
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“When she isn't teaching the program she is conducting
truancy investigations and other school offenses,” Jerrell stressed.
“This is something very unique in Linton. It's important for several things. A
lot of children only see the police during the not-so-positive times in life
and we're trying to change that around ...
“This is also a huge step in the safety of the school. It let's
people know we have a full-time police officer with full arrest powers at
school.”
The program covers many aspects and needs of the community, police department,
school and Child Protective Services.
“DARE is not just an anti-drug program. It doesn't just focus on the negative
effects of drugs ... it also helps build social skills,” Jerrell stressed.
This program also reinforces the fact that police officers are here to help, he
said. It's important for children to understand this.
Jerrell stressed that Linton Mayor Tom Jones and Superintendent Ron Bush have
been very supportive of implementing the program.
Jones explained that DARE is a process about changing attitudes and developing
good citizenship.
“I think most of these kids have a good foundation, but this is just another
way to build upon it,” Jones stressed. “I think Debbie (McDonald) is doing a
good job and I'm so proud of