The D.A.R.E. program in Cole County concentrates on developing self-esteem, self-respect and the knowledge to recognize the peer pressure to use drug and commit other acts of violence. D.A.R.E. goes beyond traditional drug abuse and violence prevention
programs. It gives children the skills needed to recognize and resist
the subtle and overt pressures that cause them to experiment with drugs
or become involved in gangs or violent activities.
D.A.R.E. Officer Training
The D.A.R.E. curriculum is designed to be taught by law enforcement officers whose training and experience gave them the background needed to answer the sophisticated questions often posed by young students about drugs and crime. Prior to entering the D.A.R.E. program, officers undergo 80 hours of special training in areas such as:
- Child development
- Classroom management
- Communication skills
- Teaching techniques
Another 40 hours of training are provided to D.A.R.E. instructors to prepare them to teach the high school curriculum.
