Movers and Shakers: MCSAC Introduces Crime Prevention to Area Schools

MANATEE COUNTY – Do children who commit crimes always know the consequences associated with their behavior?

The Manatee County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (MCSAC) is ensuring area students ÔKnow the Law’ by introducing preventive educational curriculum into middle and high schools.

MCSAC, in collaboration with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Bradenton and Palmetto police departments and the School District of Manatee will launch a new school prevention initiative called ÔKnow the Law’ during the 2015-16 school year.

Students taking seventh grade civics class and ninth grade health opportunities through physical education (HOPE) courses will be given a ÔKnow the Law’ booklet.

The booklet is a condensed representation of Florida laws including those ordinances and statutes specific to Manatee County. The information will be accompanied by short presentation by the School Resource Officer (SRO), who will then provide students with an opportunity to engage in discussion about the booklet and crime prevention.

Not only will the booklet and presentation define crime, but also give specific examples of how and why illicit activates are classified and charged in the eyes of the law.

Students will gain a deeper understanding of rules and regulations, a better insight of what is expected of them and the consequences they will face if caught breaking those rules.

ÔKnow the Law’ also provides clarity to obscure misconceptions that many students currently have.

MCSAC hopes to enlighten students, preventing them from unlawful behavior and helping them to avoid the adverse consequences of bad decision-making.

The booklets will go home with the students, giving parents an opportunity to engage their children in dialogue about the booklet and the importance of being a good citizen. The Nassau Alcohol Crime and Drug Abatement Coalition (NACDAC) originally created a version of the ÔKnow the Law’ booklet and presentation.

Through NACDAC coordination with affiliated partners, the program has been running in middle and high schools in 40 counties in Florida for the past 3 years.

A MCSAC-sponsored training session with NACDAC instructors drew more than 50 participants from area law enforcement agencies and area school districts on August 17.