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• The rigorous, scientific evaluations of Comprehensive Coverage State Training Centers and six Internation-
the keepin’ it REAL curriculum for stu- al D.A.R.E. Training Centers that arrange
dents in grades 6-9 show students com- D.A.R.E.’s curricula are effective, impact- for DOTs (D.A.R.E. Officer Training). The
pleting the course experienced a: ful, and developmentally age-specific for D.A.R.E. Training and Curriculum Com-
all grades, preK-2, 3rd and 4th grade, El- mittee, consisting of officers with extensive
• 32% to 44% reduction in marijuana, to- ementary, Middle, and High School, and experience delivering curricula, oversee the
bacco, and alcohol use include supplemental enhancement lessons entire training process. Additionally, every
(prescription and over-the-counter drug
• 29% to 34% decrease in intent to accept abuse, internet safety, bullying and role four years, each D.A.R.E. training center
substances models). undergoes a rigorous accreditation process.
Merrill et al. (2006) said: “The only nation-
• Reduction and cessation in substance use Comprehensive System of Advisory al delivery system for drug abuse preven-
among those already using Boards tion in the United States that comes closest
D.A.R.E. is the Bridge to D.A.R.E. has always sought oversight for to an ideal model is Drug Abuse Resistance
Education or D.A.R.E. Essential to under-
Building Trust and Positive its activities with experts from various standing how important D.A.R.E. is to the
Community-Police Relations fields and has four longstanding advisory field of prevention is recognizing…the de-
boards: Scientific Advisory Board, Edu- livery system itself, made up of thousands
According to the U.S. Department of Jus- cation Advisory Board, Law Enforcement of trained local law enforcement officer-in-
tice, “The D.A.R.E. program…offers stu- Advisory Board, and Youth Advocacy structors.”
dents the opportunity to gain a trustworthy Board.
adult friend, develop a positive attitude In contrast, the length of training for most
toward law enforcement personnel, and ac- Robust Training System other prevention programs is only 2-3 days
quire greater respect for the law.” The key to effective delivery of school- and is usually offered only to existing class-
room teachers. Further, these programs of-
Why D.A.R.E. is Unique based, curriculum-driven prevention pro- fer neither a nationwide training system for
gramming is a comprehensive “system”
and Set Apart from Other dedicated to training those who will deliver instructors nor a rigorous process to ensure
Curricula the curricula. D.A.R.E. has 22 Regional/ that training centers are accredited.

8 — NARCOTIC OFFICERS MAGAZINE™ FEBRUARY 2019