DARE

The Salem Police Department has been teaching the D.A.R.E. program since 1989. Currently there are four classes each from the First, Third, Fifth and Seventh grade which participate in the D.A.R.E. Program.

D.A.R.E. is a life skills program which promote good decision-making. Making good decisions is a life skill, teaching kids to think ahead about the consequences before making a decision. Teaching them not only to say no, but also showing them how to think on their feet. D.A.R.E. teaches student how to say no, and feel good about it.

D.A.R.E. is aimed at Alcohol, Tobacco, Inhalants, and Marijuana use. Often referred to as “gateway drugs,” these drugs are the most commonly used among young people. The theory is that if young persons will reject the use of these drugs the likelihood of moving to harder drugs will be significantly reduced.

D.A.R.E. is an excellent example of Community Policing at its best. It is schools, and parents, working together with law enforcement to combat a serious problem, drug use by our children.