DRUG ABUSE RESISTANCE EDUCATION (D.A.R.E.)

The D.A.R.E. program originated in 1983 between the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles School District. DARE is a 10-week researched drug prevention program. DARE is about choices. It teaches students about life's strategies and social skills, helping the students to make good sound decisions. Just as important, DARE is about building a partnership between law enforcement, families, and the community. DARE provides the Livermore youth with information to make the right choice to avoid drugs, alcohol, and violence.

The DARE Program has been taught in Livermore Schools since January 1994. We began with one school and one DARE instructor. The program has expanded, and since 2003, DARE is taught in all Livermore elementary schools, including the two private elementary schools, St Micheal's and Our Savior's Lutheren Elementary School. While DARE is taught primarily to fifth graders, beginning in 2004 there will be a DARE refresher course, taught at the 7th grade level, in all of the middle schools.

In addition to teaching the students, DARE instructors attend numerous public appearances/events throughout the year. At these public appearances/events, DARE instructors provide information booths and/or Drug Awareness training to the community. Some of these events include: Church/school functions, neighborhood meetings, Downtown Trick or Treat, Little League Opening Ceremony, Children's Fair, Airport Appreciation Day, Farmer's Market, Public safety events, Red Flowers Sunday, and countless private events at the citizens' requests. At these events, DARE instructors are available to answer questions about the program and a variety of other police related questions/topics. In order to promote stronger relations between the children, parents, police, and the community, DARE instructors also distribute literature/pamphlets, along with DARE pencils, erasers, bookmarkers, stickers, bracelets, and model cars to parents and their children. For more information or to make a donation towards the DARE program, please contact the Program Coordinators, DARE Officers Rich Zogaric 371-4784, and Officer Brian Martinez 371-4779