Law & Public Safety

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE)

It's a sad fact that 70% - 90% of all crime in the U.S. is drug related, and the age of those involved in these crimes seems to be inching ever downward. D.A.R.E. has found a way to battle the problem before it starts.  By giving young kids the tools to resist the peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol or participate in violence we can win the war before it's even fought.

The D.A.R.E. curriculum is taught by deputies within the Stearns County Sheriff's Department.  Chosen because of their real life experiences with drugs and violence, they have special commitment to help kids and serve as positive role models.  They would much rather teach kids what's right than be reading them their rights.

For 16 weeks, the D.A.R.E. officer will spend time with children in the 5th and 6th grades, teaching them the tools to stay drug-free. Lessons that are taught are:

Different types of drugs, and what they do to the body How and why to avoid violence How to say no to drugs in an assertive way How the media influences our decision Consequences of using drugs The risk involved in taking drugs How to deal with stress Finding other positive alternative activities Peer pressure faced in high school Youth gang involvement Why high self-esteem is important How to be a good positive role model

Events

Each year, the Minnesota National Guard Drug Demand Reduction Program flies an 11-passenger UH-1H Utility Helicopter into the schools.

 The 3- to 4-person crews discuss the helicopter's operation, demonstrate survival equipment carried on the aircraft, and work with the students practicing the skills to remain drug-free.  The crew is a group of drug-free role models for kids.

The Sauk Centre and Melrose area schools help with a bike-a-thon to raise money for the D.A.R.E. program.  The bike-a-thon is the first weekend in May.  The D.A.R.E. students will ride their bikes from Sauk Centre to Melrose and Melrose to Sauk Centre on the Wobegon Trail.

Where is the D.A.R.E. program taught?

D.A.R.E. is taught in these schools by the Stearns County Sheriff's Department:

Is D.A.R.E. Working?

You bet it is; just ask a former D.A.R.E. student.  National studies show that among D.A.R.E. graduates, 93% have never tried drugs, 70% have never tried alcohol and 75% have never tried a cigarette.  Over 90% said D.A.R.E. has helped them avoid drugs and alcohol, increasing their self-confidence and ability to deal effectively with peer pressure.

How can you make a difference?  The first step is by being a good role model to your kids.  Although they don't act like it at times, they listen to what you say.  So talk to them about drugs and violence, and more importantly, listen to them.  You're the most important instructor they've got.

D.A.R.E. America website:  www.dare.com