NCJ Number
144277
Date Published
1992
Length
33 pages
Annotation
The Rio de Janeiro state military police have implemented a program -- the Drug Resistance Education Program (PROERD) -- modeled after the D.A.R.E. program originally developed by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Abstract
PROERD aims to provide accurate information on drugs, to teach students alternatives to drug use and decision-making skills, and to reinforce students' self-esteem. Police officers are selected according to several criteria: good communications skills, a sense of organization, creativity, experience in educational or community activities, and a 4- year tenure as a police officer. They are trained in a range of areas including child and adolescent development, the law, group dynamics, and physical and chemical aspects of drugs. Thirteen schools have been involved in the PROERD pilot program. Each officer is assigned to one school throughout the duration of the program, with top ranking officers in charge of coordinating activities in each county. The topics for the 17 program lessons include, inter alia, personal safety practices, controlling stress without using drugs, media influence, resisting gang pressures, positive leaders, and building a support system. 6 appendixes