Prevention Coalition Addresses Local Crime, Addiction And Bullying

The Woonsocket Prevention Coalition recognizes that drug addiction is the root of many crimes in Woonsocket, and is actively working to address the issue through outreach and collaboration with law enforcement.

At Wednesday night's Town Hall Meeting, the group brought together local members of the police force, government and the community to discuss, in part, how to address and prevent the problem at a young age. 

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin joined the local task force, along with Mayor Leo Fontaine, and Chief Thomas Carey, for briefings followed by an 8 member panel discussion.  The forum was moderated by Dan Jaehnig, Anchorman for NBC 10, and tackled the key issues of substance abuse, crime and violence, and bullying.

"We've had these discussions many times, but we will have to have these discussions many more times," said Lisa Carcifero, executive director of the Woonsocket Prevention Coalition. "Discussion keeps us aware and keeps us on our toes."

The panel included experts in community health, education, law enforcement and addiction along with two Woonsocket High School seniors, and the parent of a sophomore at the high school, many of whom are active members of the prevention coalition.

"Drug use is often interwoven with criminal behavior and delinquent behavior that destroys family, neighborhood, and community life in long lasting ways," said Carcifero.

The group was hailed for recent successes with local strategies like the "Not So Easy Campaign." The coalition also sponsors the police tip line which, Chief Carey asserted, has been a huge asset in drug prevention. Police have received 376 tips in the two years that the line, 401-769-4444, has been active.   

"A lot of our tips are related to illegal drug dealing," said Carey. "We have some investigations that are going on right now, so hopefully we'll have a big year in terms of drug prevention."

The forum was also used as an opportunity to relay some facts related to local and national bullying and crime. "160,000 youth miss school each day because of fear of being bullied," said Carcifero.

Carey relayed recent stats regarding arrests related to drug activity in the city. "For the first two months of this year, drug arrests are up 58 percent and we're hoping that trend will continue."

While seizures of some substances, including cocaine and marijuana are down, heroin crimes increased by 284 percent from 2009 to 2010. Carey referenced the recent in which 650 bags of heroin were seized.

"I don't think anyone here can deny the connection between drug activity and other crimes," Carey said, discussing the relationship between addiction and robberies, including the recent capture of a

"I was present when they were interviewing her at the police department. All the money that she was getting in these robberies was going towards the purchase of crack cocaine," Carey said.

"I see the dangers that drug and alcohol abuse have on our community," said Fontaine. "Nearly every crime we deal with as a city has some connection to drugs or alcohol," he added.

In the succeeding panel discussion, Jaehnig asked the high school students about their experience with drugs and how readily available they were in school.

"I think all you'd have to do is say you want to buy some and you'd be hooked up with the right person," said Julia Sosa, member of the coalition and the Objective 8 Youth Committee, and senior at Woonsocket High School.

Captain Edward Lee, a 23 year veteran of the Woonsocket Police Department and Commander of the Detective Division represented the perspective of law enforcement in the discussion. "It's disheartening to hear her say that it's that easy, especially at that age" said Lee.

In addition to the frank discussion on drug abuse, Jaehnig directed the group in addressing everything from cyber-bullying to potential deterrents to delinquent behavior.

Flavio Berrios, a member of the Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse as well as the coalition emphasized the need for electives and extracurricular activities, many of which, he said, have in the Woonsocket Education Department budget. 

"I think that is a huge mistake," Flavio said. "Band, chorus, theatre arts... incredible programs have just been cut because of the budget."

This sentiment was backed up by the statements of Julie Owsik, health and wellness coordinator for for . Owsik said that in her time at the small school, she's been surprised at how unavailable drugs actually are.

"Our students find a passion and they harness it," Owsik said. 

Jaehnig gave each panel member the opportunity to provide a final statement on the topic.

Anthony Gabriele, local father and president of the Parent's Advisory Council, had one simple message. 

"Bullying and alcohol and tobacco use are very serious. Get involved with your child. You have to communicate."