NCJ Number
141706
Date Published
1990
Length
12 pages
Annotation
An annual survey, conducted between 1985 and 1989, of DARE and non-DARE students, teachers, and administrators, was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the DARE program, jointly developed by the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Unified School District in 1983, in terms of students' attitudes and use of drugs and alcohol.
Abstract
The annual student survey covered demographic data, attitudes toward drugs and alcohol, exposure to drug use by friends and adults, and personal use of 12 substances ranging from beer to heroin and cocaine. An analysis of school records was used to verify, where possible, the students' self- reported data. Overall, the DARE group had a more negative attitude toward drug use compared to the control group; these students also had a more positive attitude toward law enforcement. The DARE subjects had an overwhelmingly positive perception of the program, believing it helped them avoid drug use. According to student records, DARE participants had lower rates of disciplinary problems than nonparticipants. The survey found that more students in both groups had used drugs and alcohol during 1987-1988 than in the previous two years. DARE participants' use of tobacco was considerably lower than that of control students. DARE students showed a significantly decreasing rate of cocaine use and a non-statistically significant tendency to a lower rate of experimentation with drugs including LSD, amphetamines, depressants, heroin, inhalants, and PCP. School staff also had very positive attitudes toward the DARE program. The authors suggest expanding the program to other high schools and continuing to link DARE educational efforts with law enforcement officers to enhance the image of police to adolescents and their families. 6 figures