DARE cops to high crime spots?

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Copy of a media release distributed this afternoon.

(Cincinnati) - Jason Haap, the Green Party’s candidate for Cincinnati School Board, has learned that the local D.A.R.E. program employs seven officers, and costs over a quarter of a million dollars, with only half that covered on average by grant money.

“A quarter of a million dollars is a lot of money to spend on something that doesn’t work,” said Haap.  “Research shows the D.A.R.E. program does not reduce drug use later in life, so why waste valuable instructional time, valuable tax dollars, and valuable officers in this pointless manner?”

Haap points to the recent uproar over saving police jobs as proof the public believes safety is a first priority.  “How can the schools continue a program that takes police off the streets?” asked Haap.  He is calling on board members and City leaders to cut the program, allowing these seven officers to join foot patrols in areas where they are needed most.

“Targeted high crime areas would benefit from having seven additional officers on patrol,” explained Haap.  “I’m sure neighborhoods like Westwood, which claim to be under-served by police, would appreciate the additional support.  Why keep these officers away from places that need them?”

Haap has been investigating the school district’s existing health and sex-ed curriculum, looking for common-sense solutions that can be implemented immediately.  “I already worked to improve the district’s anti-harassment policies, and I’m actively working on this project, too,” said Haap.  “These actions demonstrate how I will be an effective advocate when elected to school board.”