Marine Corps News Room

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/E44B37F36B8215678525708C0008E73D?opendocument

Submitted by: Marine Forces Pacific
Story Identification #: 2005929213714
Story by Lance Cpl. R. Drew Hendricks

U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES PACIFIC, CAMP H. M. SMITH, Hawaii (Sept. 29, 2005) -- Hawaii Lieutenant Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr. signed a proclamation commemorating Crime Prevention Month October 2005 and McGruff’s 25th Anniversary in Crime Prevention, Sept. 27.

McGruff the Crime Dog, along with programs like Drug Abuse Resistance Education and Drug Education for Youth, have been molding the young minds of America’s youth for many years.

“Programs, like the McGruff Truck, are a great asset to crime prevention,” said Aiona. “I know I’m preaching to the choir, because you are the ones who are working to keep this state safe, and who have dedicated your time and efforts to teaching others how to do their part.”

For Sgt. Nathan J. DeWeerd, who was recognized for his services to the Mcgruff program, the best way to teach people about crime prevention is to get them while they’re young.

DeWeerd, a military policeman at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, does his part by teaching children as a DARE instructor and a DEFY mentor.

“The biggest reason we do the DARE program, and others like it, is to help children make better decisions, not just how to say no to drugs,” said DeWeerd, who teaches DARE to 3rd and 5th grade students.

The curriculums of these programs show children the effects of poor decisions, such as drug and alcohol abuse. This information helps the children make an educated decision. Rather then just telling them what’s right and wrong, it shows them.

“If you just tell the children to say no and they don’t know why, what’s keeping them from eventually just finding out why?” asked DeWeerd.

Aiona and DeWeerd both say that crime prevention is not just for the young. It is imperative that adults learn how to better protect themselves as well.

“It’s the duty of every citizen young and old to do their best to prevent crime,” said Aiona.
For this reason, the MP’s at MCBH offer crime prevention classes and even house walkthroughs for anyone who wants to learn how to better protect themselves, their families and their property.

“If the person wants to better protect their house and everything in it, we will come by and check out the house. We can give them pointers and show them the things they may be doing wrong,” said DeWeerd.

Since October is Crime Prevention Month, the Military Police Department will be focusing on teaching the public about crime prevention. However, they are willing to give crime prevention classes whenever they’re requested. Those that want to take advantage of these services should call 257-8556.

According to Deweerd, all of these things are necessary to reduce crime, but according to him, the focus should be the children.

“If I teach 1,000 children and 999 of them choose a life of crime, but one listened to what I had to say, then it would have been worth it,” said DeWeerd.