D.A.R.E.

Since 1989 the Des Plaines Police Department has initiated the D.A.R.E. program, which continues to play an important part in our efforts to keep kids drug and violence free.  The continuing problems of substance abuse, violence, and crime are undeniable.  Through education and awareness, D.A.R.E. clearly needs to be at the forefront.

D.A.R.E. is "life skills" program.  Its information is valid and valuable to anybody who wishes to lead a happy, healthy and successful life.  Its curriculum is full of ideas and concepts fundamental to living life as a decent human being.  Historically, parents, extended family, churches and neighbors cherishing similar value systems have taught values, virtue and decision-making.  These fundamentals were supported and promoted by schools, literature, the media and organizations like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, sports programs and local park districts.  The bottom line is that kids learned positive life skills primarily from parents and their involvement in their children's lives.

D.A.R.E. is a collaborative effort of the Police Department, educators, students, parent, and the community.  This partnership works together by bringing an educational program into the classroom.

D.A.R.E. is organized into ten 45-minute lessons taught by a specially trained uniformed law officer in the 5th and 6th grade classrooms.  Classes are held once a week and also deal with topics such as self-esteem, peer pressure, interpersonal and communication skills, assertiveness, consequences, decision making, and choosing positive alternative to substance use and violence.  Students are taught to recognized and resist direct and subtle pressures that try to influence them to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, inhalants, steroids, and other drugs, or to engage in gang and group violence.

This year D.A.R.E. Graduates have been invited to attend a graduation party at Game Works. Food, snacks, and soda will be provided throughout the event.  The student will enjoy the opportunity to mingle with friends and build positive relationships with each other, Police, and teachers. The Des Plaines Police Department and Des Plaines School District 62 are working together bringing the D.A.R.E. message to the middle school system. D.A.R.E. also continues to be taught at private and parochial schools.  We need continued support and commitment from parents; teachers and community members to strengthen are beliefs in being drug and violence free.

In addition to teaching the D.A.R.E Program, the D.A.R.E. officer is involved in many activities.  The officer conducts school visits to all grade school students. Conducts safety presentations to organizations and groups, participates in after-school programs ,and continues to act as school liaison between the schools and the Police Department.