News

Proposed cuts to drug-education programs could hurt kids

The Arizona Republic (Phoenix) - February 13, 2010

Recently, some have made the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program out to be the reason we have a drug problem. They are saying that DARE doesn't work because a few kids use drugs. This is preposterous!

Saying that because some children choose to use drugs means DARE does not work is like saying that if a 17-year-old gets into an accident, drivers' education does not work.

I am a law-enforcement officer and have been teaching DARE for 20 years. I have seen the positive effects that DARE has had on our children. I have had hundreds of students come up to me over the years and tell me they refused a drug offer using one of the ways to say no taught to them by their DARE officer.

There are more than 14 studies that have been conducted on the DARE program. All of them speak to the effectiveness of DARE.

The DARE program was not written to be a feel-good program, but to teach students to make better decisions. It is meant to supplement what should be taught at home. It was never intended to be a cure-all for the deep, social problems of drugs and violence.

So what is the DARE program? DARE is a proactive prevention program. It teaches students decision-making skills.

Elementary DARE is a 10-week program taught to fifth- or sixth-graders. It teaches students about consequences, peer pressure, ways to say no to offers, assertiveness, violence, media influences, decision-making, gangs, Internet safety, over-the-counter/prescription drug abuse, bullying and more.

Yes, parents at home should teach these skills, but in reality, we all know that this is not always the case. Therefore, it has to be taught somewhere, somehow, by someone. Who better than a professional police officer, teaching in the classroom, equipped with the most effective prevention curriculum on the market today?

Instead of looking for programs to cut to save a dollar, let's embrace the efforts being put forth by our DARE officers in Chandler. Just think what our great city might be like if DARE hadn't been around for the last 21 years.

Call your Chandler, Arizona City Council member (or any City Council member where DARE is in danger of being eliminated) today and tell them your thoughts about cutting your DARE program.

Dave Parsons is a Chandler police officer and the state DARE coordinator.

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