Scotts Valley Police Department Celebrates

RED RIBBON WEEK 2004
October 24th thru October 30th

History of Red Ribbon Week:

Enrique "Kiki" Camarena grew up in a dirt-floored house with hopes and dreams of making a difference. He worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer. When he decided to join the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, his mother tried to talk him out of if. "I can't not do this," he told her. "I'm only one person, but I want to make a difference."

The DEA sent Camarena to work undercover in Mexico investigating a major drug cartel believed to include officers in the Mexican army, police and government. On Feb. 7, 1985, the 37-year-old Camarena left his office to meet his wife for lunch. Five men appeared at the agent's side and shoved him in a car. One month later, Camarena's body was found in a shallow grave. He had been tortured to death. His wife had to tell her three children that daddy would not be coming home.

In honor of Camarena's memory and his battle against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began to wear red badges of satin. As news of this atrocity began to appear in newspapers, radio and television broadcasts, many school parents associations, already angry and sick of the killing and destruction caused by drugs and alcohol in America, were looking for some way to proclaim their concerns and to make a demand for action in local communities. Several of these groups banded together and took Camarena as their model and embraced the belief that one person can make a difference. The red ribbon was adopted as the symbol of Camarena's memory.

Scotts Valley Police Department began observing Red Ribbon Week in 1986. This event has grown to include the involvement of the community and all of our schools.

Events planned for this years Red Ribbon Week:

Poster/Essay Contest on a Red Ribbon Week topic. Prizes will be awarded to winners selected at each of the schools. The grand prize winners from each school will be taken to lunch by the Juvenile Officer in the DARE van.

Red Ribbons will be handed out to students at all schools. Officers will be wearing red ribbons on their uniforms and tied to their patrol cars. Various businesses are participating by offering specials for people wearing red ribbons. Participating businesses will have posters in their windows and all schools will receive list of those businesses.

Monday, October 25th @ 12:00pm; City and school officials will enjoy a kick-off at BBQ at MacDorsa Park.

Tuesday & Wednesday, October 26th & 27th; Assemblies at our local schools will occur with an emphasis on drug and alcohol awareness.

Skate Night at the Scotts Valley Sports Center from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This is a free skate night for local kids sponsored by Scotts Valley Sport Center. Skaters are encouraged to be in costume and prizes will be awarded for the best costume in various categories.

Other Activities; the Juvenile Officer & Community Services Officer will visit local school during breaks & lunches to promote Red Ribbon Week.