Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry School Resource Officer Deputy Chris Riche leads a group of Beaty-Warren Middle School students in a Law Enforcement Against Drugs (LEAD) class performance of Captain Goldsworthy and the Treasure Map. Pictured, from left, are: Riche, Dylan Goodman, Savea Lauffenburger, Alauna Card, Gavin Chapman shouting ‘Shiver me Timbers!’, and Hunter Briggs.

Part of the role of the school resource officer is to help students make good decisions.

SRO Chris Riche, a Warren County Sheriff’s Office deputy, recently led a LEAD – Law Enforcement Against Drugs – class at Beaty-Warren Middle School. It wasn’t a discussion about why drugs are bad. It wasn’t even a discussion about drugs. It was a play. Five student volunteers performed roles in Captain Goldsworthy and the Treasure Map.

The play featured Goldsworthy’s band of pirates aboard their sinking ship. He shared the secret to finding the treasure, but only one pirate was a good listener. The lesson was about communication, listening, and distractions. It’s just one part of the LEAD program.

“We teach fifth grade,” Riche said. “We teach them about how to handle their emotions, communication skills,” he said. “Today it was communication and listening.”

“We go over making friends, healthy choices, and the negative effects of drugs and alcohol,” Riche said.

The SROs – Riche and Deputy Josh Warmath – teach the LEAD program once a week for 10 weeks to fifth graders at all Warren County School District schools and Tidioute Community Charter School.

“We do role-playing, plays, a lot of fun activities, card games,” Riche said. “Once they’re done, they graduate and get a certificate.”

The program is intended to help students transition safely and successfully through school and through life, and to promote and build positive relationships between police and the community, he said.