THE TRADESMAN

Volume 11 No. 2

-- A NEWSPAPER by and for DIMAN STUDENTS --

April, 2006

Keeping Diman in Line

Fall River Police and School Resource Officer Riley helps keep Diman students safe and educated

Officer Riley

The law is a very important aspect of life that some teens do not respect these days. Between smoking, drinking, and illegal substances, these teens are causing a problem. I feel that if young adults knew the consequences of their actions, they would be less likely to commit these crimes.

So, I went to the man who knows all about the law, Officer Riley. "I think many high school teenagers do not get enough credit for what they achieve in school. Although he is impressed with the students' respect here at Diman, he feels that some of that respect is lost by teenagers who socialize in public areas such as parks or malls. "I often walk through North Park, and always hear bad language from the teens with no respect of my presence." Officer Riley told me; he thinks there are too many young children in the parks. Parks are meant for fun and entertainment, not inappropriate acts.

When I asked Officer Riley about the disciplinary actions of today compared to his generation, this is what he had to say, "I feel that the disciplinary actions by parents can send a stronger message to the child, if enforced properly" Now that teens have access to MP3 players, laptops, cell phones, T.V, and cars, it makes parents have more obstacles to work with. "Take one of these luxuries away, and the world has ended for them," states Officer Riley.

When he was a child he had many chores to do and had a very strict curfew. "I remember back when I was teenager, I use to get the ruler on the knuckles when I fooled around in class." Seems like we teens have it a lot easier these days.

Some teens are tempted by drugs on a daily basis. If a minor is caught with illegal substances, here a just a few of the consequences:

If the suspect (not the parent or guardian) sold or gave a minor tobacco in any form, the penalty would be a $100.00 fine for the first offense. For the second offense the fine would bump up to $200.00. The third offense and following offenses, would be a $300.00 fine.

In school, if a student is caught with drugs, such as marijuana, the student could be:

• Expelled
• Arrested
• Placed in jail (if over 17)
• Taken to court

Seems like a big punishment for "the rush" of it all.

Now for you students with cars, watch out for Officer Riley out on the streets. He has full authority to issue verbal and written warnings; not to mention, he can give you a ticket and make arrests in some cases. To the new drivers, please take the terms of J.O.L into consideration. (For information on J.O.L, please see Officer Riley.)

Now, sometimes tempers are lost and a fight breaks out. If Officer Riley is a witness to either a verbal or physical fight, Officer Riley can arrest you. The students involved in the fight would be charged with disturbing a school assembly and could face assault and battery charges. They would also face a school suspension. There is a court appearance for each case.

I'm not sure if this article has any effect on you, but hopefully it will make you think before you act.