DARE students visit jail

Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, January 31, 2008

Niagara County Sheriff’s Deputy R. Chapman welcomes
Colonial Village School fifth graders to the Niagara County Jail.

As a part of the DARE program, which promotes an anti-drug abuse message for students, Colonial Village fifth graders recently went to jail.

On the field trip to the Niagara County Jail, they were treated to a tour and a discussion of what making poor choices can bring into one’s life. Students were provided guided tours of the facility thanks to their DARE officers, Deputy Jeffery Pytlik and Deputy Todd Ostrowski

Students learned that 90 percent of the people in jails are there due to some type of drug or alcohol related activity. Students moved from intake to booking, then into the jail itself.

“They were overwhelmed when they entered the cell ‘pod’ and saw what life was like behind bars,” said teacher Jill Gonzalez. “These fifth graders got a taste of what it’s like to hear the sound of barred doors as they closed behind them.”

Also as part of DARE, Niagara County Sheriff’s Deputy Craig Beiter and his “partner,” police dog Zeus, put on a demonstration for each class, showing children the skill and strength of this four-legged officer. The students later committed to making good choices in the DARE graduation ceremony.