The acronym D.A.R.E. stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education.  This program began in the 1980’s, in Los Angeles, California, where law enforcement wanted to curb drug trends showing users started at younger and younger ages.  In 1991, an agreement was signed joining Midvale Police Department with the ranks of numerous police agency’s now teaching D.A.R.E. across the globe.  The D.A.R.E. program in Midvale doubled in 1997 when the city annexed east of State Street.  Officers are now teaching at four elementary schools in the city.

            These D.A.R.E. officers instruct children on the physical dangers of drug use, self-esteem, peer pressure, and many alternatives and ways to resist pressures enticing them to use drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.   Officers teach the 17-week program because they are recognized as “authorities” in the area of drugs from having to deal with them at work.  Positive bonds are formed between the officers and children generating understanding and respect.  This year, it was estimated that having D.A.R.E. in Midvale impacted more than 390 fifth and sixth grade students.

            D.A.R.E. officers have served their schools in other ways by assisting and “swearing in” student safety patrols and, upon request, addressing non-D.A.R.E. issues such as bullying.  We have also taught kindergarten and 1^st grade children personal safety lessons covering topics such as pedestrian safety, not answering the door when they are home alone, and what to do if they find a gun.  In the next year, we foresee addressing other issues with the 6^th grade students such as Internet safety.

As better methods are developed, teaching strategies are improved which translates into officers being able to effectively meet the needs of the rising generation while continuing to protect and serve the community.  The most recent advancement in the D.A.R.E. program allows facilitation rather than lecture by officers.  Together, students come to understand the finer points of resistance and drug use that will now include inhalants (in addition to tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol).  With the program being condensed to 10 weeks, officers will be available to serve in their regular department capacity.  The new curriculum will be coming into effect statewide in 2004. 

            Recognizing the bright future ahead of us, we look forward to continuing to serve the City of Midvale and the many students in our Elementary Schools.