D.A.R.E.

Teaching children the skills to say "no" to alcohol and drugs is the focus of Project D.A.R.E. The program was developed in 1983 as a joint venture of the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Unified School District. The program provides coping skills necessary for managing the personal pressures which can lead to drug and alcohol experimentation.

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department began it's D.A.R.E. project in the fall semester of 1988, teaching the seventeen week curriculum at 6 elementary schools throughout the school year. In 1996 a third D.A.R.E. Officer was added to the program which now is responsible for 20 elementary schools, 9 middle schools, and 5 high schools.

A unique feature of D.A.R.E. is the use of police officers as instructors. These officers receive intensive training to enable them to effectively teach in the classroom. In the selection of officers, great emphasis is placed on human relations and communications skills. In addition, workshops are held for teachers and parents. They are made aware of the signs of substance abuse, how to intervene, and where to seek assistance.