Drug and Organized Crime Officers for Newfoundland & Labrador

Sgt. Bill DWYER - Coordinator for Newfoundland
Tel: 709-772-4381
Fax: 709-772-6010
email: William.Dwyer@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Cpl. Keith MACKINNON - Coordinator for Labrador
Tel: 709-896-3383
Fax: 709-896-8963
email: Keith.Mackinnon@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Mission
1. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Drug Awareness Service is committed to making communities safe and healthy by reducing substance abuse and its related problems.

Our Vision
To be leaders in striving for a country free of substance abuse.

Our Beliefs
We, the RCMP Drug Awareness Service are guided by all of the following beliefs:

• Everyone has the right to a life free from substance abuse and its effects.
• Children are vulnerable and are entitled to our protection.
• Well-informed people will strive for a society free of substance abuse.
• Substance abuse negatively affects the safety and quality of life of our communities.
• Substance abuse prevention is crime prevention.
• A balanced approach to prevention includes education, enforcement and treatment.
• Substance abuse is a barrier to social - and self-development.
• Substance abusers deserve effective treatment.
• We can make a difference through innovative partnerships.

Our Commitment
To the RCMP
- Promoting the benefits of a lifestyle free of substance abuse to employees and families of the RCMP.
- Providing leadership, training, programs and coordination on substance abuse issues.

To Our Communities
- Reducing substance abuse by:
- A balanced approach to prevention includes education, enforcement and treatment.
- Providing factual information on substance abuse issues. Supporting enforcement initiatives.
- Encouraging, mobilizing and supporting community-driven initiatives that reflect our Mission, Vision.

RCMP DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAMS
DARE

D.A.R.E.(Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a comprehensive prevention education program designed to equip school children with skills to recognize and resist social pressures to experiment with tobacco, alcohol, other drugs and violence. This unique program utilizes uniformed law enforcement officers to teach a formal curriculum to students in a classroom setting. D.A.R.E. gives special attention to fifth and sixth grade students to prepare them for entry into intermediate & high school, where they are most likely to encounter pressure to use drugs. This year, DARE is being offered in many schools in this province at the middle school grade level. Training is also planned to initiate a parents program for parents of DARE students. Newfoundland & Labrador currently has over 60 trained DARE officers.
See also WWW.darebc.org

Aboriginal Shield Program

The Aboriginal Shield Program is a substance abuse prevention initiative designed specifically for Aboriginal youth. This program is currently being rewritten and will be piloted in 2006 on the Labrador Coast. The new program will be delivered by community members and tailored to meet the needs as well as the culture of the specific area. Anyone in coastal Labrador who is interested in helping to deliver the new program should contact the Labrador Drug & Organized Crime Awareness Coordinator in Goose Bay, Cpl. Keith MACKINNON @ Tel 709-896-3383.

Drugs and Sport

Drug use and abuse in sports are as relevant an issue to high school students as it is to high-profile professional athletes. The use of performance-enhancing drugs goes beyond elite athletes to involve a significant number of young people who are concerned with their performance and appearance. The RCMP is involved with sports teams delivering a mentor program to the local QMJHL team “The Fog Devils” to assist players, coaches, staff etc. to understand and deal with drug issues for the team. The program itself is currently being reviewed and piloted in central & western Canada this year. When the pilot is finished, the new program will be available to be delivered in this province to local sports teams to deter drug use by our local athletes.

Drugs in the WorkPlace

The use of drugs or alcohol on the job affects not only the person using it but coworkers, management, customers and many other persons dealing with the company. Promoting a safe and drug free workplace is the goal of this program which has been newly revised and is being piloted in this province to several companies. The program has eight modules that deal with various aspects of drug use in the workplace from identifying signs or symptoms to drug policies or drug testing for employees. After the pilot presentations are reviewed in early 2006, the program will be ready for delivery to companies in this province. If you would like a presentation for your company or further information on the program call Sgt. DWYER @ 709-772-4381.

Two Way Street

Statistics have proven the people who have the biggest influence in a child’s life are their parents. This program focuses on communication between parents and their kids. It provides information about alcohol and other drugs, the reasons why young people use and abuse these substances as well as practical suggestions for parents. Bringing children and parents together to talk about important issues such as drug abuse is an excellent first step to ensure a healthier lifestyle for both the kids and the parents. This program is current being reviewed and will be updated for delivery in this province by late 2006. For more information on this program contact the RCMP Drug and Organized Crime Awareness Section.