D.A.R.E. Drug Abuse Resistance Education

D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) was originally developed in 1983 by the Los Angeles Police Department in conjunction with the Unified School District. Based on the premise that prevention is the only long-term answer to drug abuse, the program grew to include all 50 states and many countries abroad. In the Glendale Police Department, D.A.R.E. is a strong presence, creating a positive atmosphere for students to interact with uniformed law enforcement officers.

The purpose of D.A.R.E. is to:

Provide accurate information about drugs and alcohol
Teach students the necessary decision-making skills
Show students how to resist negative peer pressure
Suggest healthy alternatives to drug use
Build confidence and self-esteem

The D.A.R.E. program is designed to avoid scare tactics. Positive and substantive, it relies on accurate information and an upbeat approach. D.A.R.E. officers visit with students in the classroom, conduct faculty workshops, and present programs to teacher/parent organizations. This approach provides a constructive and highly visible presence to the students involved in D.A.R.E. and to the community.

The implementation of the D.A.R.E. program has led to educated students facing an uncertain world armed with the knowledge that drug abuse is a destructive cycle. The undeniable success this program has already generated insures its place in our society. Until drug abuse is a thing of the past, D.A.R.E. will continue to be in the forefront of preventative measures.

Officer DeJonge has been teaching the D.A.R.E. curriculum to the 5th graders at Glen Hills Middle School, 2600 W. Mill Rd, Glendale.