NCJ Number
194223
Journal
Gazette Volume: 63 Issue: 4 Dated: 2001 Pages: 12-15
Date Published
2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program in Fort Saskatchewan, a program designed by police to help elementary, junior, and high school students learn about drug abuse.
Abstract
Fort Saskatchewan, Canada has worked with the community to develop the most comprehensive D.A.R.E. program in the country. Since 2000, students in grades 6, 7, and 10 in Fort Saskatchewan received one of three main components of the D.A.R.E. program. These components include a 17-lesson core program, the 10-lesson junior high program, and the 10-lesson senior high program. Fort Saskatchewan was able to build its program based on six key elements: (1) commitment and support by the detachment commander, (2) dedicated D.A.R.E. officers and flexible detachment members, (3) strategic planning consistency and sustainability, (4) access to training, (5) strong community support, and (6) strong school partnerships. A critical step in implementing the program was determining what areas had the greatest need for police presence. Thus, downtown schools became a priority. Another important principle is that once a school is enrolled in the program, every effort is made to ensure that the program is delivered each year; otherwise, a lack of commitment would be conveyed to the students. Perhaps the most notable reason for the success of the D.A.R.E. program is the strong partnerships formed with schools. Because of the D.A.R.E. program, Fort Saskatchewan students now view police as caring, helpful, approachable community members. They are more likely to ask law enforcement for help when they need it, and more likely to cooperate during investigations. D.A.R.E. is now the backbone of a very effective and consistent school resource officer (SRO) program. The D.A.R.E. program appears to have had a positive impact on the community. Despite a population increase in Fort Saskatchewan, property crime usually associated with drug abuse has been on a steady decline. In addition, incidents of youth being arrested for public intoxication, causing a disturbance, or drug overdoses, are virtually nonexistent. School related violence is also on the decline.