Founded in 1983 by the LAPD and the Unified School District
The D.A.R.E. Program has been very successful.
It's now in all 50 states and several foreign countries.
D.A.R.E. goes far beyond traditional drug abuse prevention programs.
Typically, these programs warn children not to use drugs,
but doesn't teach them to resist the pressure to try to use them.
D.A.R.E. gives children skills to recognize and resist subtle and overt pressures
that cause them to experiment with drugs and alcohol.
D.A.R.E. teaches them how to deal with peer pressure.
It gives them substantial information and techniques to use,
when they are confronted with these pressures.
D.A.R.E. Instructors are specially trained police officers
with direct, actual "real life" experience
in the harmful effects of drug and alcohol abuse by offenders
that destroy our homes, community, and increase street crime.
This gives D.A.R.E. Officers credibility
unmatched by teachers, movie or TV celebrities, or professional athletes.
D.A.R.E. targets 5th and 6th grade students, due to the fact
this is when they are most vulnerable to tremendous peer pressure.
The 17 lessons help children build their self esteem, manage stress,
resist pro-drug media messages, and identify alternatives to drug use.
D.A.R.E. teaches HOW TO SAY NO.
Studies show that D.A.R.E. has far exceeded its goal
of helping children and parents combat pressures of drug and alcohol abuse.
D.A.R.E. has contributed to improve study habits and grades, decrease vandalism and gang activity, and has generated greater respect for law enforcement.
The Wexford County Sheriff's Office has a highly trained D.A.R.E. officer
who is quite involved with educating area school children:
- D.A.R.E. Officer