Choices and Consequences is a high school based program initiated by the Southern District of Ohio's Federal Probation Office. The program was inaugurated in 1998, and is designed to "get the word out" about the stiff penalties in the federal criminal justice system associated with distributing narcotics.

The program begins with a 20-minute, MTV-style video to gain the students' attention. It's followed by an illustration of the mandatory minimum sentences associated with crack cocaine and powder cocaine distribution.

To make it a more real scenario for the students, mock drugs and firearms are used to aid in the illustration. Along with this vivid depiction of the consequences of a bad choice, students also engage in hands-on participation in role playing as part of a drug conspiracy. And to help it all sink in, a student volunteer is selected to don jail attire — including handcuffs and leg irons — giving a graphic portrayal of life behind bars.

Thus far, the program has helped over 2000 high school students see the reality of how their poor choices can result in serious consequences. Choices and Consequences has received rave reviews from the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Branch and the Ohio Department of Youth Services.

For more information, or if you would like your neighborhood high school to participate, please contact U.S. Probation Officers Rob Taylor at (614) 719-3133, or Bob Cronin at (614) 719-3140.

Shown above are some of the props used in the demonstration.