D.A.R.E is a drug abuse and violence prevention education program that began in Los Angeles in 1983 and has spread across the country, through urban and rural communities. The program provides students with the skills to recognize and resist the social pressures to experiment with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. It also provides lessons on positive alternatives to destructive behavior, physical confrontation, self esteem and stress-related problems. It is structured to build positive relationships between the Police Department and the school faculty and community.

The D.A.R.E. program is taught to students in the 5th grade .Each D.A.R.E. officer has completed an 80-hour instructional course and has been trained to teach and instruct the students throughout the school year using a curriculum provided by the National D.A.R.E. Association. The program is taught for 11 weeks in the School system.

The D.A.R.E. Program works at building a trusted relationship between the officer and student and opening up an avenue of communication to influence a child's attitude and future course of action.

Meetings are scheduled with the parents of the students to inform them about the program and give them an opportunity to ask questions concerning the instruction provided to the students. Parents are also encouraged to participate in the program by assisting with instruction at home and with special activities that the children are required to Complete at home. This type of contact enables the parent/guardian to become involved with the child in a positive surrounding and establishes a strong foundation for the child to resist unwanted behaviors.

Visit the DARE Website for some kids' games and puzzles.
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• For additional information contact the D.A.R.E Coordinator CSO Scott Davis at (973) 635-8000 Ext. 156

New Jersey Chief's of Police and D.A.R.E.
working together . . .