Drug  Abuse  Resistance  Education

D.A.R.E. was originally developed in 1983 by the Los Angeles Police Department in conjunction with the United 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 Groveland Police Department, D.A.R.E. is a strong presence, creating a positive atmosphere for students to interact with uniformed law enforcement officers.

1. Provide accurate information about drugs and alcohol.
2. Teach students the necessary decision-making skills.
3. Show students how to resist negative peer pressure.
4. Suggest healthy alternatives to drug use.
5. 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 the 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.

If you would like more information regarding the D.A.R.E. program, please contact Officer Dwight P. McDonald by e-mail or by telephone at (978) 521-1212. You can also link out to the National D.A.R.E. web site by clicking here.