Drug Abuse Resistance Education

D.A.R.E. stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. It is a cooperative program between parents, schools, and police to help young people stay away from drug abuse and violence.

Our current D.A.R.E officers are Sergeant Bisbee, Detective Bruce, Officer Brooks, Officer Hovendick, Officer Odegaard, and Officer Olson. 

Kindergarten through Fourth Grade Visits

Visits to the lower grade levels are designed to promote safety in young children and build good relationships between police and children. Lessons involve many safety issues ranging from crosswalk safety to learning about the 9-1-1 system.

Fifth Grade Lessons

The 10-lessons curriculum is designed to teach and encourage students to make responsible decisions using the DARE decision-making model and resistance strategies. The concepts of risk and consequences are explored. Students also discuss positive ways to handle stress and safely handle/report bullying incidents. 

There is a strong emphasis on verbal and nonverbal communication skills and how to communicate confidently and respectfully. Students are also introduced to active listening skills and the importance of showing empathy and being a good citizen. The curriculum culminates in a 5th grade DARE graduation where the students are required to write a short essay about what they learned in the ten lessons. 

Seventh Grade Lessons

This is also a 10-lesson curriculum designed to build off the skills learned in 5th grade, as well as introducing the REAL resistance strategies, designed to further equip students to be able to  resist negative peer pressure. Students evaluate risks and the curriculum further emphasizes the concept of choices and consequence. Social norms, positively expressing feelings, and support networks are also discussed in this curriculum. 

For More Information

If you have any questions, please contact Aberdeen Police Department at 605-626-7000, or visit the D.A.R.E. national website.