South Dakota Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.)

The South Dakota Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program brings the latest in teaching techniques and science based curriculum design together into a ten week program for both the elementary and middle school levels.

D.A.R.E. officers receive constant training and updates, sharpening their skills and increasing their knowledge so that they are able to present the best possible program to the children of South Dakota. Continued growth and support of the D.A.R.E. program in an overall community policing effort within our communities provides the best possible education for the youth of South Dakota on the dangers of alcohol, drugs, and violence.

D.A.R.E. helps students recognize and resist the many direct and subtle pressures that may influence them to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, inhalants, and other drugs. The D.A.R.E. program offers preventive strategies which help in the development of social competence, communication skills, self-esteem, empathy, decision making, conflict resolution, and positive, healthy choices in life.

The State D.A.R.E. Coordinator offers a two week D.A.R.E. instructor training each year, and evaluates all D.A.R.E. programs within the state to ensure that a uniform curriculum is instructed statewide.