(SHERIFF'S PRISON AWARENESS PROGRAM)

In addition to education and awareness programs that benefit seniors, the Special Projects Unit oversees a number of innovative initiatives focused on teaching children the dangers of drugs and crime. One of the programs is the Sheriff's Prison Awareness (SPA) program. The SPA program is a sobering look at what happens when young people sell, buy and use illegal drugs. Showing young people the cold realities of jail proves a lasting and effective crime prevention program.

The SPA program is available to all Monmouth County junior high and high school students and the program is run year-round. The message is simple: "stay in school and avoid the harmful lifestyle choices that could lead to incarceration, because jail is not a glamorousInmates tell the truth about "life behind bars" as part of the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office Prison Awareness (SPA) program. or exciting place to be."

In 2002, the Sheriff's Prison Awareness program conducted 60 tours of the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, with over 1,000 junior high and high school students receiving a first-hand look at the realties of life in a correctional facility. Since 1996, the Sheriff's Office has given 305 tours to 6,134 students. The SPA program receives national television recognition, appearing numerous times on such shows as Maury Povich Show, Ricki Lake, Judge Hatchett and Anonda Lewis.

For additional information on participating in the Sheriff's Prison Awareness program, please contact Sgt. Wayne Olsen at (732) 431-7855.

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