Students take Real Deal Drug Tour at Dallas Co. Courthouse

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

A group of public school students toured the Dallas County Courthouse to get an up close look at how the justice system — really works.

The students are participants in the Drug-Free Communities of Dallas County, a program designed to reduce youth substance abuse.

Two students from every public middle and high school in Dallas County were at the county courthouse complex learning some of the stark realities — of substance abuse.

“You can get addicted, you can go to jail, you could potentially be dead,” said Cassidy Lewis.

“What they saw today is what happens between getting arrested, then after being arrested, going you know to court, the court process. And so they kind of just getting a holistic approach and a holistic picture of the justice system when it comes to drugs,” said Jerria Martin.

Students sat in on drug court and a murder trial — then got a tour of the sheriff’s department.

“And one thing that the kids saw today is that there’s not an age limit. They saw young people in drug court today,” said Martin.

Martin calls the annual outing — the Real Deal Drug Tour.

“This is the stuff that actually helps. This is what molds and changes minds you know when kids are put under that pressure to use drugs.”

“We do experience peer pressure from the people we hang around,” said Lewis.

“And as teenagers some people think that it’s cool because it’s the standard for social media and a whole bunch of rappers.”

Students involved in the DFC program — learn to promote a drug and alcohol free lifestyle — to their peers.

“They show us different activities we could do so we don’t go to an illegal substances,” said Randall Dennis, Jr.

For more information about the program — go to dchopedealers.com.