Chief Of Police Randy Holland

CURRENT INFORMATION TO BE ADDED SOON

Proactive DART Program Hits the Mark for Youth in Johnson City

January 20, 2011

http://www.jcrecordcourier.com/news/article/39072

In a quiet little town, like Johnson City – drug and alcohol resistance training is not something most folks want to think is needed. However, on January 3, the Johnson City ISD and Johnson City Police Department unveiled a unique program that’s dedicated to being proactive in the fight against youth substance abuse in town.

Teachers throughout the district received instruction from JCPD Chief Randy Holland, Captain Bryan Geeslin and Lieutenant Ross Allen in Drug and Alcohol Resistance Training (D.A.R.T.). The joint effort between the school district and the local police department is an effort to be proactive by educating all stakeholders in the dangers of youth drug and alcohol use.

This was the first stage in a four-part program that includes: JCISD staff training, community training, student training, and testing kits (by request) for parents/guardians.

The common issues that were addressed by the police department included a candid discussion about alcohol, the misuse of over the counter products, marijuana, the abuse of prescription drugs, and the amount of influence that powder cocaine and crystal meth has within the Johnson City community.

During the training they discussed with teachers the signs and signals to look for in identifying youth drug and alcohol use.

"The reality is, Johnson City really is blessed to not have the drug issues that other nearby communities face. However, we want to keep it that way – and that’s why we’ve developed this partnership with the school district… to be as proactive as possible," Captain Geeslin stated.

Teachers were instructed on the proper procedures to follow in the event that they suspected a student to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"It’s a three step process. We want you look, listen, and let us know," High School Principal Julie Storer stated. Teachers were instructed to first keep a "look out" for physical signs of substance use – including drawings and writings that might allude to usage. They are also to listen for repeated references to drugs and alcohol – or any stories or classroom discussion depicting use, or possible exposure to drugs and alcohol. Lastly, teachers were instructed to report any concerns they may have to their principal and school counselor immediately if they suspect a student to be under the influence.

However, what makes the D.A.R.T. program so unique from any other school district in the state, is that this program not only educates teachers, parents and students about the dangers of substance abuse – but it goes one step further by providing another tool. Concerned parents can now request a free drug test kit from either the Johnson City Police Department or from the front office at their respective JCISD campus. No questions will be asked, parents will not be required to fill out any paperwork, or report their findings to anyone. The goal is to help parents, help their students, get the help they need.

"Johnson City is a wonderful place to live. We simply want to be proactive and help families head off problems before they become lifelong issues," Chief Holland stated.

The second phase to the program, community training, will take place on Monday, February 21. The training will be offered at both 10 am and 7 pm to try and accommodate for work schedules. It will take place in the LBJ High School common area. For additional information, contact JCPD Chief Holland at (830) 868-0995 or LBJ High School Principal, Julie Storer at (830)868-4025.