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| Drugs in the Schools | |
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| Topic Started: Apr 19 2008, 09:19 AM (81 Views) | |
| D2ns | Apr 19 2008, 09:19 AM Post #1 |
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Task force: Drugs not a problem in schools By TONY BRUSCATO OBSERVER Staff Writer http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...501/1020/NEWS03 Police officials don't deny teenagers are using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in the Plymouth and Canton communities. Students, however, don't appear to be among those using them in Plymouth-Canton middle and high schools. That's according to a task force of Plymouth-Canton Schools officials, the Canton Township Public Safety Department and Growth Works Community Intervention. "We're not saying it's not a problem, what we are saying is that it's not being brought to school," said Canton Township Deputy Police Chief Laura Golles. "I think the combination of drug sweeps in the (high school) parking lots, the two police officers we have assigned there, as well as the school security and teachers help keep it away from the schools. "Experience tells us that young people will continue to experiment, and if we curtail our preventative measures or the prosecution of those caught using, the numbers will increase," she said. "This task force approach to prevention appears to be working." The five PCCS middle schools showed a minor increase in the number of teens caught possessing or using drugs during the 2006-07 school year. Statistics gathered at the three high schools showed a decrease in those areas, as well as alcohol use. However, possession of tobacco incidents were up substantially at the high school complex. Brian Spitsbergen, program director for Growth Works, said the connections developed among schools, law enforcement and human service organizations have made school a less likely place for drug and alcohol abuse. However, teens are still finding places to use illegal substances. "Kids have learned how to negotiate times and places to use," said Spitsbergen. "When kids skip school, that should be a red flag. That makes their homes a good venue." Spitsbergen also notes that prescription drugs have become the drug of choice over the past three years. "We have a generation of kids that understand medication, and some of the variables, such as side effects," Spitsbergen said. "Kids will use, abuse, sell and trade it. "There are prescription medications that can be found in every home, and there are a lot of over-the-counter medications," he said. "And, since you can't smell or see it in the eyes, it creates a whole new level of sophistication that adults struggle with." tbruscato@hometownlife.com (734) 459-2700 |
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