VALDOSTA — This week, the Valdosta Police Department, led by Officer Vernotis Williams, is conducting phase 1 of the Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) program for 2015. Phase 1 is a challenging and fun-filled week in the summer. During Phase 1 DEFY youths participate in classroom learning that covers:

• Goal Setting
• Leadership and Teamwork
• Relationships/Conflict Management
• Substance Abuse Prevention
• Gang Awareness/Deglamorization
• Self-Esteem

As part of phase 1, several field trips are incorporated into the week -long event. In the picture attached to this media release, DEFY students visited Judge Vernita Bender and the Valdosta Municipal Court.