SR 05-23-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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River Police Department MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: DATE: Thomas D. Zerwas, Chief of Police May 16, 2002 SUBJECT: Juvenile Liaison Officers I would like to update the city council and the school board on the status of our liaison program. We currently have two (2) officers that provide the liaison services for the senior high, Ivan Sand School, two (2) junior highs, four (4) elementary schools, and two (2) parochial schools in the City, of Elk River. At times, this is quite a stretch for two (2) liaison officers to handle. Ivan Sand and the Focus Day Treatment Program could almost have a liaison officer that works these two (2) schools exclusively. I know finances, as such, are presently not feasible. I would like all members to keep this in mind for better times hopefully to come. This was our first year for Project Alert. As you all are aware, we jointly decided to discontinue D.A.R.E. until studies are completed as to its effectiveness. Project Alert was conducted at Handke and Meadowvale Elementary Schools; and, Parker is attempting to complete Project Alert before the end of the school year. As for Lincoln Elementary because of scheduling conflicts with the school teaching staff, we were unable to have Project Alert implemented there for this school year. The liaison officers are covering three (3) lessons out of a total of eleven (1 I) lessons for all sixth grade students. The lessons covered are Consequences of Smoking Marijuana and Tobacco, Drinking Consequences and Alternatives, and Inhalant Abuse. Both liaison officers are pleased with the content of their lessons. Hopefully Project Alert is proven effective down the road in our school district. Lastly, our liaison officers enjoy a great working relationship with all of the school administrators. We hope to see this program continue and grow. If you have any further questions or comments, give me a call. TDZ/kma